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^•*

THE

^t£T RAMAYANA.

Translatbd into English Prose from the original

Sanskrit of Valmiki.

■ •

• • •

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY :

MANMATHA NATH DUTT, M. A.

Red Off Keshub Academy.

printed by

GiRiSH Chandra Chackravarti,

Deva Press, 65/2, Beadon Street,

CALCUTTA.

1891.

FOR the complete SET, IN ADVANCE. INCLUDINQ POSTAQE.

In India Ri. 16. In Europe £ 2.

THE RAMAYANA IN AN ENGLISH GARB.

The immortal Epic of Valmiki is undoubtedly one of the gems of
literature, — indeed, some considering it as the Kohinur of the literary
region,which has for centuries,and from a time reaching to the dim and
far past been shedding unparalleled and undying halo upon the domain
presided over by"the vision and the faculty divine/ The burthen of the
bard's song is the perpetual contest between good and evil,that is every-
where going on in this mysteriously-ordered world of ours,and which
seemingly sometimes ending in the victory of the former,and at others
in that of the latter,vitally and spiritually results in the utter overthrow
and confusion of evil and in the triumph and final conquest of good.
Rama sprung from the bright loins of the effulgent luminary of day,
and bringing his life and being from a long and illustrious ancestry of
sovereigns, Rama taking birth among the sons of men for chastis-
ing and repressing rampant Iniquity and Injustice, typifies the
spirit of good that obtains in this world, — Ravana, that grim and
terrible Ten-headed one, a Rakshasa by virtue of birth, and worthy
to be the chief and foremost of Rakshasas by virtue of his many mis-
deeds and impieties, who challenges and keeps in awe the whole
host of the celestials — "to whom the Sun did not shine too hot, and
about whom the Wind did not dare to breathe," represents the spirit
of unrighteousness and evil. Lakshmana, disregrading the pomp and
splendours of princely life, to follow his beloved brother Rama into
the forest, and cheerfully undergoing there a world of trials and
privations, and daily and nightly keeping watch and ward
over his brother and his spouse in their cottage, — and Bharata,
stoutly and persistently declining, despite the exhortations of
the elders and the spiritual guides, to govern the kingdom during
Rama's absence in the forest, and holding the royal umbrella over his

brother's sandals,are personations of the ne plus ultra of fraternal love,
and consummate and perfect ideals of their kind. The righteous
Bibhishana, who for Rama's cause forsook his royal brother, and set
small store by the splendours of royalty, who suffered no earthly
considerations to interfere with his entire and absolute devotion to
his friend, embodies in his person the sterling virtues going
under the precious name of friendship. The ever-devoted Hanumana
glorying in the appellation of Rama's servant, — ever-prompt at the
beck and call of his master to lay down his life — is the grandest and
loftiest conception of the faithful servant that is to be found in all
literature. Shall we say aught of Rama and Sita, or keep silence
over themes too sacred for babblement and frofane mouthing ?
The kingdom is astir and alive with the jubilations of the populace
at the prospect of Rama's coronation ; pennons by thousands are
streaming like meteors in the air at the tops of stately edifices ;
and drums and panavas and other musical instruments are sound-
ing forth the auspicious anouncement. The royal household
swims in a sea of bliss surginit and heaving on all sides. Delight
and Joy move aboat and laugh and talk under the names of Daca-
ratha and Kaucalya. Anon a thunder-clap bursts in the midst of the
Merry-making, and converts delight into dole, the sounds of laughter
and hilarity into loud wails and lamentations issuing from hearts
knowing no consolation. All Is lost 1 Rama is to be banished into
the woods for fourteen years. He cheerfully makes up his mind and
repairs to the forest in consonance with his father's promise. Sita
steps forth — a divinity clad in flesh — Sita would follow the fortunes
of her lord. She considers it as the height of nndutifulness to remain
behind, continuing to enjoy the pleasures of the palace, while her
beloved Rama is leading a life of toils and privations in the remote
woods. The daughter as well as the daughter-in-law of kings,
brought up in the lap of luxury and amidst the soft ministrations
of those pleasures that pertain to a royal household, Sita, the idol of
every one's love and regard, boldly and with alacrity faces all the
toils and terrors of a forest- life, in preferance to remaining in
Dacaratha's residence, bereft o£ the company of her sweet lord.

All these and various other characters that figure on the fascin-
ating and enchanting boards of Valmikii have been developed

fully and elaborately, and with and perfect consistency of
portraiture through the length of his gigantic poem of Rama-
yana. Ravana standing before us in stupendous proportions as the
personation of terror and wrong-doing, before whom the human
spirit trembles as Sita in the Asoka wood; the lotus-eyed
Rama self-forgetful and heroic, and possessed of the highest
perfections that can adorn humanity, and through the extremes of
misery and misfortune ever abiding by righteousness and truth; Slta
the best and fairest of her sex, the embodiment of all loveliness and
grace physical and mental, she who rose from the sacrificial fire of
inspiration — a goddess in all her manifold perfections tind unsurpassed
exellences, whose name carries in the very mention a world of pathos ;
the faithful Lakshmana, aye cleaving to his brother on the perilous
edge of raging battle, and in the dreary forest leading a life lorn
and desolate, — these and others whom we forbear reluctantly to
name, have been pourtrayed to the life ; they are quick with the Prome-
thean spark and occupy prominent positions in that ideal world
brought into being by those mighty intellectual wizards — the poets ;
and are the perennial fountains of our joy and sorrow, never suffering
the good and the beautiful to degenerate into cant and commonplace
in our minds. Oh ! the privilege of genius.

The influence exercised by the Ramayana upon the Hindus reach-
ing down to the lowest strata of the society, is literally and in actual
fact immense. Truly of the Ramayana it can be said in Baconian
language that it has come home to the business and bosoms of all
men. If there is one test which more than another distinguishes the
true from the false in Art, it is the circumstance of a work in-
fluencing or not influencing life : a work that assimilates itself
with the mental constitution of a nation, lending energy to impulse,
contributing to clearness of thought, and ennobling and spiritualis-
ing the higher emotions and aspirations, must by the very
reason of its doing so, be true; while that which fails in doing
so, is not the real and genuine thing and can well be spared.
The Ramayana has become a household-word in Hindu Society,
and expressions embodying the memories of incidents celebrated
in the epic, pass current amongst all ranks of the people, being
mouthed alike by high and low,by prince and peasant^by the sristocracy

and the nobility of the land, by merchants and mechanics, by cultiva-
tors ploughing the field, and by shepherds keeping the flock, by
princesses and high-born dames in towering edifices, and the women
of the peasantry plying their daily tasks, religionists and politicians
and men of letters, — in short by the community universally. Such
absolute and all-commanding and comprehensive sway and influence
of literature is perhaps unknown in the West, with the single excep-
tion of the Bible. Rama's regime embodies the popular conception
of administrative perfection — the ideal of a monarchy. Havana is
remembered not only in consequence of the prominent part he
plays in the Ramayana, but also on account of his famous advice to
Rama immediately before his death, — namely that the execution of
evil projects should be deferred,but that good ones should be prompt-
ly executed, — a very sage counsel doubtless, answering partially to
Macbeth's observation on hearing of Macduff's escape :

" From this moment

The very firstlings of my heart shall be

The firstlings of my hand "

**The vow concerning the bow-breaking," applied sarcastically
to a case of contumacy, "The war between Rama and Ravana is
matched by that war alone," "Havana's family." "Ravana hath
been ruined by domestic disclosure," "Lank^ hath met with des-
truction in consequence of excess of pride," "That won't render the
Ramayana incorrect,'* — these are some of the adages universally
current in Hindu society, mixing constantly into common talk.
Does not this unequivocally and unmistakably prove that the influence
of Valmiki has entered into the pith and marrow of the nation, and
vitally sways its intellectual and emotional tendencies ?

Sita has become the grand exemplar to Hindu women as the
embodiment of purity, chastity, and wifely fidelity. She has furnished
Hindu ladies with the highest and noblest conception of their duties
in their various and manifold relations in life. Her empire is
both wide and deep over the hearts of her sex, performing for their
eternal behoof spiritual services of incalculable worth. She should
be looked upon as one of the greatest teachers of her kind — as a
teacher in that highest and best sense in which Christ and Chaitanya,
Nanal and Socrates are called teachers. Ah, who can say how

lany women have turned away in the budding prime of youth from
le primrose path of dalliance, and have in preferance followed
''irtue, who alone is truly fair, — how many stirred and influenced
y the example of her matchless self-sacrifice have firmly made up
leir minds to tread in her foot-steps ? In like manner it may be
aid of almost all the principal characters of the Ramayana, that they
lave more or less deeply influenced the thoughts and sentiments of
he people.

Farther, the Ramayana has been all along a reservoir upon
vhich subsequent writers have drawn ceaselessly. Indeed most of
he succeeding poems owe to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana
or their subjects. Not to mention writers of less note, even
':Calidasa's self has dunk deep of that fountain. Bhababhuti not
ess celebrated has composed a poem treating of the latter part of
Kama's life and saturated with a pathos which perhaps no other pen
las surpassed.

To the antiquary and the student of oriental literature and
nanners, a knowledge of the Ramayana is simply indispensable.
Fogether with the Mahabharata with which it is joined in popular
Darlance, and with which it goes hand in hand in compass and
irariety of information, but to which its superiority is pronounced in
Doint of epic excellence Sind consistency and uniformity of execu-
:ion, the Ramayana constitutes the great repository of wisdom and
learning, the manners and customs of the ancient Hindus. Indeed,
the adage current in our socity with regard to the Mahabharata, "What
Is not in Bharat (Mahabharat), is not in Bharat (India)" applies to
Ihe Ramayana as well. In it, cosmogony and theogony, the genealo-
gies of kings and princes,— of human and extra-human beings,
^f Ashuras and Danavas, of yakshas and Gandharvas, and Shiddhas
and Charanas ; folklore and anecdotes and legends, and stories half-
mythical and half-historical ; descriptions of cities existing at a
period long anterior to the age of Troy and Memphis, and the
bhronicles of kings that reigned before Priam and Busiris, — all these
with others too numerous to enumerate, have been woven into the
mighty web and woof of the magic drapery evolved by the so potent
irt of Valmiki.

Nor is the poem less interesting in a political point qf view. It

can hardly be questioned that all progress to be real and im
must be developed out of the inherent tendencies of a nation
feelings and sentiments and idiosyncracies into which it is b
well as those which have been stamped on its life and mind 1
stress and exigencies of circumstances, social and political,
a nation, therefore, to govern another with such an object zi
with which England has taken upon herself the Grovernment i
countr}' — namely, the progress and advancement of the ch
of the soil — a close and wide study of its laws, and institi
manners and customs, modes of thought and emotional procli
becomes a thing of paramount interest. It is clear, hence, that
rulers an acquaintance with such works as the Mahabharata ar
Ramayana is most important for wise and beneficient adminsti
Nor can it avail one to advance the seemingly unanswerable obj
that treating of as they do a state of society divided from tl:
present by a huge and abyssmal gulf of time, such works can
means serve as useful and faithful guides to the life and manr
Hindu society existing at this day. "In India," as Professor ^
Williams justly remarks, "the lapse of centuries is powerful
effecting radical changes in the foundation and constitution of 1
society." The conservative character of the Hindu nation is prov(
In India usages and observances, the rituals prescribed by the
tures and the customs sanctioned by hoary age, are clung to
tenacity that is proof against time and innovation ; and those who
that England has materially swayed and influnced the social life
people, labour, we make bold to say, under a lamentable delusit
Having regard alike to the surpassing and matchless exce
of the poem itself both in its dramatic and l3rric charact<
extreme interest it possesses for antiquaries and students of oi
literature, and the importance with which its study is fraught
cally to Englishmen, it is most desirable that the Ramayana i
be presented before the public in an English garb. In conseq
of its being composed originally in Sanskrit, it liberally rem
sealed book to the majority of students. Few are the personi
can devote their time and energies to master Sanskrit — a Ian
which of all languages existing on earth, is, in consequence
highly complex and complicated grammar, as well as the indefini

VII

!?hich characterises it on account of its possessing countless
t'ynonyms, most difficult to master by a foreigner. Nay, we can per-
laps safely go so far as to assert that very few amongst those Western
scholars who have devoted their lives to the study of Sanskrit litera-
:ure, have been able to enter into the spirit of that part of its voca-
bulary in which are couched those peculiarly Hindu ideas and senti-
ments that constitute the unique genius of the people. To translate,
iherefore, such a work as the Ramayana from the dead and indefinite
Sanskrit into the living and real English, is, like unearthening a fossil
md inspiring it with life ; or rather like transferring a light from a
bushel in which it has been hidden, to a mountain- top, — so that men
may behold it and the surrounding objects by help of its grateful rays.
Surely, to render a work from a dead tongue into a living language
ind specially such a language as English with all its resources, is
literally taking it from its narrow and circumscribed sphere of
influence, and placing it before the world at large — in fact, making it
he common property and heritage of all mankind. The utility,
:herefore, we flatter ourselves, of this present literary undertaking,
ivill recomend itself to all thinking-minds without any further elabora-
:ion on our part. Indeed, it would argue no common hardihood
n him who despite common sense and reason, would endevour to
maintain that the Epic of Valmiki published in an English garb
always provided that the execution do not fall far short of the
requirements) would prove valueless as a contribution to the case of
literature and culture.

In translating the Ramayana into English, we are concerned
with a work composed by an illustrious ascetic passing his days
in a hermitage in devout contemplation and the practice of rigid
lusterities and self-denial. It behoves us, therefore, to approach the
ask in a becoming spirit, with minds duly prepared and fitted. Let
js, accordingly, begin by invoking Him whose presence can convert
:he foulest and the most unclean spot, pure and clean, "like the iccicle
hat hangs on Dian's temple," or the hearts and aspirations of the
festal Virgins, or pious saints ever engaged in meditating the Most
Eiigh. ,May He in His infinite and eternal grace vouchsafe to
3urge our minds of all ignoble feelings and motives, — may He enable
is to find delight in duty and doing His will ! May our energies

via

never flag while carrying the burden we have taken on our should
May He enlighten our understanding to interpret aright and coi
in clear and adequate language the great thoughts and sentimen
the sublime bard, — so that the English Ramayana being read b
the subjects of a Monarch on whose dominions the sun never se
may contribute to their constant profit and delight.

of
ill
it

RAMAYANA.

BALii.K:jiUsrr)AM,

SECTION I.

Xhe ascetic V&lmiki asked that best of sages and fore-
most of those conversant with words, ever engaged in austeri-
ties and Vaidika studies, NcLrada saying, — ''Who at present
in this world is alike crowned with qualities, and endued with
prowess, knowing duty, and grateful, and truthful, and firm in
vow,-who is qualified by virtue of his character,and who is ever
studious of the welfare of all creatures ? Who is learned, hath
studied society, and knoweth the art of pleasing his subjects ?
And who alone is ever lovely to hehold ? Who hath subdued his
heart, and controlled his anger, is endowed with personal grace,
and devoid of malice ; and whom, enraged in battle, do even
the gods, fear ? Great is my curiosity to hear of such a person.
Thou canst,0 Maharshi* tell me of a man of this description."
Hearing VSlmiki's words, N5rada, cognizant of the three
worlds, said with alacrity,— "Do thou listen ! Rare as are the
qualities mentioned by thee, I will, O sage, having duly con-
sidered, describe unto thee a person endued with them.
There is one sprung from the line of IkshwSku, known by the
name of R§ma. He is of subdued soul and exceeding prow-

* Lit, a great saint. The word, howerer, signifies one belonging to a parti-
cular order of saints.— T.

2 RlMlVANA.

ess ; effulgent ; endowed with patience ; having senses unc
control ; intelligent ; learned in morality ; eloquent ; crown
with grace ; the slayer of foes ; broad-shouldered ; possess
of mighty arms, a conch-shaped neck, fleshy jaws, anc
broad chest ; a powerful bowman ; the repressor of fo€
having plump shoulder-blades ; of arms reaching down ur
his knees ; with a beautiful head, and a graceful forehead ; a
endowed with excellent might; having symmetrical limbs ; a
of a cool hue ; and possessed of prowess ; and having a w(
developed chest ; with expansive eyes ; crowned with auspi
ousness and favourable marks; knowing duty ; firm in promi
aye engaged in the good of his subjects ; of accomplished
nown I furnished with knowledge ; pure in body and spir
modest towards superiors ; versed in self-knowledge ; I;
unto PrajSpati himself ; blest with prosperity ; protecting a
the destroyer of enemies, and supporter of all living beinj
and the stay of order,practising all the duties of his class; a
preserving those cleaving unto him ; versed in the profundit
of the Vedas and the VedSngas ; accomplished in archei
gifted with a good memory ; ascertaining with rapid
the truth of things ; the darling of all ; unreproved ;
unvanquished spirit ; discerning ; proficient in every brai
of learning ; ever resorted to by the good even as
ocean is, by the rivers ; worthy of being honored ; hav
an equal regard for all ; and capable of filling the heart v
ever-new sensations. Crowned with every grace ; he enh
ceth the joys of Kau9alySL ; being like unto the sea in grav
and unto the Himavat in patience. In prowess, he is like u
Vishnu, and boasteth of the personal attractions of the Mo
In anger he resemblelh the fire raging at the dissolution
all ; and in forgiveness, he is like unto the Earth. In giv
away, he is like unto (Kuvera) the Bestower of riches, anc
truth, he is like another Dharma.

''Desirous of doing that which would be acceptable to
subject, king Da^aratha, from fulness of affection, wished

r BlLAKlNDAM, 3

instal as his associate in the kingdom his beloved and
meritorious eldest son^ Rima, of infallible prowess, and
endued with sterling virtues, and ever intent on the welfare
of the people. Beholding the provisions for the installation,
that lady the king's consort, Kaikeyi, who had previously been
promised two boons, even asked for these, viz,, the exile of
R2lma, and the installation of Bharata. Bound by the ties of
duty in consequence of that promise of his, king Da9aratha
banished his favorite son Rama. In pursuance of his father's
promise, and with the view of compassing the pleasure of
Kaikeyi, that heroic one, commanded by his sire, wended into
the forest. And on the eve of his departure for the forest,
that enhancer of Sumitr^'s joy and favorite of his brother
(RSLma), his dear brother Lakshmana, endowed with humility,
displaying brotherliness, followed him out of affection. And
as Rohini foUoweth the moon, RSma's beloved spouse, sprung
in Janaka's line — like unto an embodiment of Divine power —
dear (unto Rama) as life itself, and engaged in acts of
good, and furnished with every auspicious mark, and the best
of wives, followed Rama. Having been followed far by
his father Da^aratha along with the citizens, Rama met with
the virtuous and beloved king of the NishSLdas ; and then in
company with Guha, Lakshmana,and Sit2L,dismissed his chari-
oteer on the banks of the Ganges at Sringaverapura. Then
wending from one wood to another, and having crossed many
broad rivers, they^ in accordance with Bharadwija's directions,
arrived at the Chitrakuta ; and constructing a romantic abode,
the three began to live there as they listed. And they spent their
days in delight, even like gods and Gandharbhas. And when
R&ma had reached the Chitrakuta, king Da9aratha, distressed
on account of his son, went to heaven, bewailing the latter.
And when Da9aratha had ascended heaven, the mighty
Bharata, although pressed by the Brahmanas headed by Vasis-
tha, to rule the kingdom, did not wish for dominion. And that
hero went after R2lma into the forest, with the view of pro-

4 RlMlFANA.

pitiating that worshipful one. And having come to the high*
souled RSimai with truth for his prowess, he besought his
brother, with every mark of respect. And RSLma said unto
Bharata these words, — *'Thou too, O thou conversant with
duty, art king." And the exceedingly generous, illustrious and
mighty RSlma of a cheerful countenance did not wish for the
kingdom, in consonance with his father's injunction. And hav-
ing made over unto Bharata, as his substitute on the throne,
his own sandals, Bharata's elder brother repeatedly forbade
him. And then Bharata,finding his desire not obtained,touch-
ed Raima's feet, and began to rule at NandigrSLma, expecting
the return of R&ma. And when the auspicious Bharata,
firm in promise and of subdued sense, had gone away, RSlma
again perceiving there the influx of citizens and others,eagerly
entered Dandaka. And having entered that mighty forest,
the lotus-eyed RSlma slew the Rikshasa, Vir&dha, and saw
Sarabhanga, Suitikshna, Agastya and Agastya's brother. And
he then, directed by Agastya, gladly possessed himself of
Indra's bow, the inexhaustible arrows, the scimitar, and the
quiver. And while RSlma was dwelling there with the rangers
of woods, the sages came to him in a body for the destruction
of the Asuras and R&kshasas. Thereupon in the presence
of those ascetics like unto flaming fire, inhabiting the
Dandaka forest, he promised to slay those RSlkshasas in
battle. And it was while he was living there that, that
dweller of Janasth&na, the Rakshasi SurpanakhS, capable of
assuming any form dt will, was disfigured. And it was
while living there in the society of the inhabitants of Janas-
thSna, that RSma slew in battle the RSLkshasas Khara and
Tri^ira and Dushana, together with their followers, who
all had been stirred up by the words of SurpanakhS. And
fourteen thousand RSLkshasas were slain in that battle. And
learning of the destruction of his relatives, R^vana wrought
into frenzy by anger, sought the aid of a R^Lkshasa named
MSiricha. And although strongly dissuaded by M&richa,saytng

BlLAKlNDAM, 5

'*Thou ought not to enter into hostilities with that powerful
one. Do thou, therefore, O RSvana, excuse me T' Yet, dis-
regarding those words of his, RSvana, urged on by Fate, went
into that asylum in company with MSricha. And that one
(Maricha) commanding illusions, having drawn far the king's
sons (RSma and Lakshmana\ he (Ravana) carried away Rama's
wife, slaying the vulture JatSyu. And beholding the vulture
slain and learning of the carrying oflF of MithilS's daughter,
the descendant of Raghu, deprived of sense, bewailed in grief.
And having with unassuaged sorrow burnt the vulture JatSyu,
as he was searching for SitS in that wood, he fell in with a
RSikshasa, KSivandha by name, of a dreadful and deformed
shape. Having slain him, the mighty-armed one burnt his
body, — and thereupon he went to heaven. And the RSkshasa
addressed RSLma, saying, *'Do thou, O descendant of Raghu, re-
pair unto the female ascetic, Savari, conversant with all systems
of morality." Reparing to Savari, that destroyer of foes, gifted
with exceeding energy, Rlma, the son of Da^aratha, highly
honored by Savari, met with Hanum3n on the banks of the
PampS. Then, agreeably to HanumSn's advice, the exceed-
ingly powerful Rama saw Sugriva and detailed unto him all,
specially touching SitS. Then the monkey Sugriva, having
heard all from Rama, was well pleased with Rama and in the
presence of fire, made friends with him. Then the king of mon-
keys, out of friendship, mournfully related unto him all about
his hostilities with VSli. And then Rima vowed that he would
slay van. Thereupon the monkey described unto RSghava
the prowess of VSli, and he feared lest Rama should not prove
a match for VSLli. And with the view of convincing Raghava
(as to Vali's might), Sugriva showed unto him the huge corpse

Elf Dundabhi, resembling a large hill. And looking at the skele-
on, Rama endued with exceeding prowess, smiling the
while, with his toe cast it off at the distance of full ninety
miles. And with a single mighty shaft he pierced seven
palmyra palms, a hill, and the sixth nether world, carrying

6 RlMXyANA.

conviction into Sugriva. Thus convinced, the mighty monke
well pleased went with Rama towards the cave calle
Kishkinda. And having arrived there, that best of monkeys
Sugriva of a tawney and golden hue, set up loud roars
And at those mighty sounds, out came the lord of monkeys
and having obtained TSra's consent, came before Sugriv
for battle. Then Raghava killed Vali on the spot with
.single shaft. And, in compliance with Sugriva's request
having slain Vali in battle, RSghava conferred the kingdo
on Sugriva. Then that best of monkeys having summone
all the various monkeys, sent them in various directions i
search of Janaka's daughter. Then at the suggestion of th
vulture SampSti, the mighty HanumSn crossed the salt sea ex
tending for a hundred yojanas. And arriving at the city o
LankSL, ruled by Rivaiia, he found Sita in the midst of an Aso«
ka wood, absorbed in thought. And then having shown her
the sign, he related unto her all about the friendship between
RSma and Sugriva, and having cheered Videha's daughter, he
smashed the gate of the palace. Then having slain five gener-
als, and seven counsellors' sons, and grinded the heroic, Aksha,
he was bound fast (by the arms of Indrajit). Then knowing
that in virtue of the grand-sire*s boon, he was free, he forgave
those RSlkshasas that were leading him (to R^vana). Then
having burnt down the city of Lankly with the exception of
the place occupied by Mithila's daughter, the mighty one
returned, with the intention of delivering the glad tidings unto
RSima. And that OQe of immeasurable soul having come be-
fore the high souled RSlma, and circled him, addressed him,
saying, — "I have truly seen SitS." Then accopanied b
Sugriva, RSma repaired to the shore of the mighty ocean, and
with shafts resembling the sun, vexed the deep. Then tha
lord of rivers — the Ocean — showed himself. And agreeabi
to the advice of the Ocean, Nala constructed a bridge (over
the water). By that bridge RSma went to the city of
Lank&, — and slew R&vana in battle. And having recovered

BXLAKXNDAM. 7

Sitai R&ma experienced high shame ^in consequence of
SitSk's having lived so long in Rivana's place), and used harsh
anguage towards SitSL in the presence of all. Incapable of
rearing it, the chaste Sita entered flaming fire. Thereupon
Lssured by Agni as to the sinlessness of Sit2L, RSma became
exceedingly pleased, and was honored by all the deities.
\nd at the great act of RSma's, the three worlds with all
:hat was mobile and immobile in them, as well as the sages '
aind gods, were well pleased with the mighty-souled RSghava.
Then installing that foremost of R&kshasas, Bibhisana, on
the throne of Lanka, Rama was perfectly easy, and re-
joiced exceedingly. Then RSma, obtaining a boon from the
celestials, revived the monkeys fallen in battle, and surround-
ed by friends, set out for Ayodhya on the car Pushpaka.
\nd repairing to BharadwSLja's hermitage, R§ma, having
truth for his prowess, despatched Hanuman to Bharata.
Then talking over past affairs, accompanied with Sugriva,
RSma, mounted on the Pushpaka, departed for Nandigrama.
Having arrived at Nandigrama, the sinless R^ma sheared
bimself of his matted locks along with his brothers, and,
laving regained Sita, got back his kingdom. And Da9aratha's
son, the auspicious Rima^ lord of Ayodhl, hath been ruling
those happy subjects of his, even like a father. (During his
reign) his subjects will enjoy happiness, and contentment,
ind become hale, and grow in righteousness, and be devoid of
mental disquietude and disease, and free from the fear of
famine. And no person is to witness his son's death, and
women will be ever chaste, and never bear widowhood. And
no fear of conflagration (will exercise people), nor creatures
be drowned in water. And no danger will come from the wind,
—nor any suffer from fever. And no fear will come from hunger,
from thieves. And cities and provinces will be filled with
[orn and wealth. And all will live happily as at the Golden age,
.nd having performed with countless gold an hundred
>rse sacrifices, and bestowed with due rites ayutas and

8 RlMlFANA.

kotts^ of kine on learned persons, and countless wealth
famous BrShmanas, RSghava will establish an hundred roj
families, and will employ each of the four castes in its o^
duties. And having reigned for ten thousand and'as ma
hundred years, RSma will depart for the regions of Brahn
He that readeth this sacred, sin-destroying, merit-bestowi
history of R2Lma like unto the Veda itself, becometh cleans
from all sin. And the man that readeth this RSLmSLya
conferring length of days, after death, is honored in heav<
along with his sons, and grandsons, and relations. II
Br&hmana readeth it, he attaineth excellence in speech ; i
Kshatriya, he acquireth lordship over landed possession
if a Vaisya, abundance of wealth in trade ; and if a Sud;
greatness."

SECTION II.

*w^*

H EARING those words of N^rada, that one of virtuo
soul, skilled in speech, together with his disciples, worshipp*
that mighty sage And having received due honors, th
celestial asking for and receiving permission (to depar
went to the etherial regions. And when Nirada had U
for the celestial regions, that holy person went to the banl
of the Tama&5 hard by the Jahnavi. And having arrive
at the banks of that river, the pious one, observing
holy spot devoid of mud, spoke into his disciple standing b
saying, — *'0 BharadwSya, behold this holy spot devoid
mud. And it is beautiful, and contains pleasant waters, eve

* Ayuta is ten thousand ; and koti is ten millions.-^r.

BlLAKlNDAM. 9

like the minds of good men. Do thou, O child, put down thy
pitcher, and give me my bark. I will bathe even in this
Tamas5, the best of holy spots." Thus accosted by the high-
souled Valmiki, Bharadwaja ever intent upon serving his
spiritual guide, presented the sage his bark. And that one
of subdued senses, having received his bark from his disciple,
began to range around, surveying that extensive forest. In
the vicinity of the wood, that worshipful one espied a pair of
Kraunchas, emitting melodious notes, and ranging around in
perfect peace of mind. At this juncture, a wicked-minded
fowler, singling out the male without any cause of
hostility, slew him in the very presence of the holy man. And
observing him struggling on the earth, bathed in blood his
help-mate began to bewail in piteous accents, at the prospect
of her separation from her copper-crested oviparous husband,
engaged in sport with extended plumage. Finding the
oviparous one thus brought down by the fowler, the piety
of that pious and righteous-souied Rishi was excited exceed-
ingly. Then considering it to be an unrighteous deed, with
a heart moved with pity, that twice-born one, beholding
the weeping Kraunchi, spoke these words, — '*0 fowler,
since thou hast slain one of a pair of Kraunchas, thou shalt
never attain prosperity !" Having uttered this, he thought
within himself, **What is this that I have said, affiicted with
grief for the bird ? '^ Revolving thus in his mind, that
highly-wise one and best of sages addressed his disciple,
saying, — "This speech that I have uttered is of equal feet
and accents ; and is capable of being chaunted accord-
ing to measure to stringed accompaniment. Let it there-
fore go forth as a sloka as it has come out of my sorrow V
When the sage had spoken thus, his disciple, well pleased
assented to his excellent speech; and thereat that pious
person was gratified. Then having duly performed his
ablutions at that holy spot^ the reverend sage retraced
his steps, pondering over the incidents touching the sloka.
2

lo RlMlrANA.

And his disciple also, accomplished in learnings an^d o(;
meek demeanour, followed Valmiki, carrying on his backj
a pitcher filled with water.

Having entered the hermitage along with his disciple,
that one knowing duty, while apparently engaged in diverse
kinds of talk, revolved in his mind the circumstances con-
nected with the verses. And it came to pass that desirous
of seeing the best of sages^ there arrived that lord and
creator of all, the effulgent Brahma, furnished with four
countenances. Beholding him, Valmiki rose up suddenly
and, wondering greatly, humbly and silently stood before
him with folded hands. And duly bending low in rever-
ence Valmiki ©ffered that deity water to wash his feet, and
other things for reception. And having sat down on a
highly-honored seat, that worshipful one enquired after the
welfare of that sage Valmiki knowing no deterioration; and
then asked hira to be seated. And having been seated in
the presence of the Grand-sire of all, Valmiki, his mind run-
ning upon the self-same subject, became phjsnged in thought,
'•What a sin hath been comiaitted by that wicked-minded
one, incited by hostile feeling, when he without cause slew
that sweetly-singing Kraunchal" And thereupon, again
lamenting that female Krauncha, he, in grief of heart,
mentally recited those verses. Then smiling, Brahmft spoke
unto that excellent sage, — **Those verses of thine which thou
hast composed shall attain celebrity : no doubt need be enter-
tained on this head. It is because I had intended so, that
those verses had come out of thy lips. Do thou now, O
best of saints, compose the entire history of Rama. Do
thou relate unto the world the history of the righteous-souled
and intelligent RSma crowned w^ith qualities. And do thou,
and thou hast heard it from NJLrada, relate all that is known,
and all that is unknown to thee, O wise one, concerning
R^ma, and Lakshmana, and Videha's daughter, and all the
R&kshasas. And even what is not known to N4rada, shall

BlLAKlNDAM. ir

Se unfolded unto thee. And no words of thine in this poem
ihall contain an untruth. Do thou, therefore, compose into
rerses this delightful story of RSma. And as long as the
nountains and the seas exist on earth, thy history of RamS-
^ana will spread among men. And as long as this story of
Rimlyana shall retain currency, thou shalt reside both in
:his world and in mine." Having said this, the worshipful
3rahma disappeared there. And thereat the sage and his
lisciples marvelled greatly. And his disciples sang those
verses again and again ; and, momentarily experiencing
pleasure, said unto him with exceeding wonder, — '*Those
rerses, composed of equal accents, and furnished with four
>arts, have been sung by the mighty saint, have, in virtue of
requent repetition, been associated with a world of pathos,
md have attained the eminence of a sloka. And now it is the
ntention of that illustrious and self centered sage to com-
)Ose the entire RamSyana in this metre.*'

The great ascetic Valmiki of gracious appearance and
mparalleled renown has composed hundreds of verses in
nelodious measure, couching the significance of the history
)f Rama's line. Listen to the annals of the foremost of
laghu's race, and the destruction of the Ten-headed one
:omposed by the ascetic, with Samasas, Sandhts, Prakritas^
.nd Pratayas\ and lucid with sweet and equally-accented
I'ords.

SECTION lit.

JjLAVlNG heard the entire history of the intelligent
dma, capable of conferring religious merit and the two
ther cognate objects, as well as emancipation, VSLlmiki again
ought to get insight into it. And, seating himself facing
he east on a cushion of kusa grass, and sipping water

12 rXmIfana,

according to the ordinance, he addressed himself to the con
templation of the subject through yoga. And by virtue oj
his yoga powers, he clearly observed before him RSlma, an<
Lakshmana, and Sit5, and Da^aratha together with his wive!
in his kingdom, laughing, and talking, and acting, and bear-
ing themselves as in real life. And he saw into all that waj
endured by R&ma firm in promise, with his wife for th(
third. And like an emblic myrobalan on his palm, thai
rig^hteous-souled one, by virtue of his yoga^ perceived all that^
had happened as well as all that would happen in future.
And having truly seen everything by virtue of his con-
templation, that magnanimous one set about recording the \
charmingf Rama's history. And agreeably to what had been
related by the mighty-souled Narada, that worshipful saint
composed the history of Ragu's line, conferring profit and
pleasure,and impregnated with qualities fraught with them,and,
like unto the ocean, abounding in riches, and captivating
ear and mind. And Rama's birth, and mighty prowess, and
kindness to all, and popularity, and forbearance, and good-
ness, and truthfulness, and the wonderful converse he had
with ViswSmitra ; and the nuptials of jSnaki ; and the snap-
ping of the bow ; and the hostilities of Rama with RAma
(Parasurlkma) ; and the noble qualities of Da9aratha's son ;
and Rima's installation ; and the enmity of Kaikeyi ; and the
obstacle in the way of the in<?tallation ; and the exile of
R2Lma ; and the king's grief, lamentations, and departure for
the other regions ; and the grief of the subjects, and their dis-
missal (by Rama to AjodhyS) ; and the tidings of the lord of
NishSdas ; and the charioteer's return ; and the crossing
of the Ganges; and RSma's interview with BharadwSja; and his
arrival at Chitrakuta in consonance with Bharadwaja's injunc-
tion ; and Rama's buildiog a mansion there and sojourn ; and
Bharata's arrival, and his propitiation of R&ma ; and Rama's
offering oblations to the manes of his father ; and the install-
ation of the sandals ; and Bharata's dwelling at NandigrSima ;

BfiLAKlNDAM. 13

Rama's removal to Dandaka and destruction of VirSdha ;
Rama's interview with Sarabhanga and meeting with
kshna ;and SitSL's companionship with Anusuya, and the
;r's painting the former ; and RSnia's interview with
stya, and his obtaining the bow from him ; and the story of
>anakha and her disfigurement j and the slaughter of Khara
Tri9ir2L ; and the exertions of Ravana ; the destruction of
icha, andthe carrying away of Vaidehi ; Raghava's lamen-
5ns, and the death of the king of vultures; Rama's
5unter with Kavandha, (a headless demon) and his view of
ipa;RlLma's interview with Savari, and his subsistence
e on fruits and roots; Rama's lamentations, at PampS, and
ting with Hanuman ; the former's sojourn to the Rishyamu-
, and interview with Sugriva ; RSma's raising the confi-
ne of Sugriva, and his friendship with the latter; and the
ounter between Vali and Sugriva ; the destruction of V5li,
the establishment of Sugriva on the throne ; and Tare's
entation ; the understanding between Rama and Sugriva

0 the time for commencing the march ; Rama's stay
ing the rainy season ; and the ire of the lion of Raghu's
; ; the levying of forces ; and the despatch of envoys in
srent directions ; and the assignment by Sugriva
liflFerent quarters to the monkeys ; the making over of his
J by RSima to Hanuman ; J5mbub5na's discovery of the
e; the fasting of the monkeys on the shore of the
an; Hanuman's interview with Sampati ; Hanuman's
(nsion of the mountain, and his bounding over the main ;

1 his sight of the MainSka at the injunction of Ocean ; the
ring of Rakshasis ; Hanuman's meeting with the RSLkshasa
LySgraha; Hanuman's destruction of SinhikSLya ; and
iJumSin's sight of Lank§,^ and his entrance by night into
Y^'y his ascertaining of conduct in times of helpless-
B ; his journey to the tavern ; and his sight of the
er apartments ; and his sight of R2Lvana and of his car
ihpaka ; his walk to the Asoka wood, and sight there

14 RlMlVANA.

of Sita ; his presentation of the ring to SitS and conve
with her; and the roaring of the Rakshasis; and
dreaming of the dream by Trijata ; Site's handinj
gem to Hanuman ; and the breaking down of trees ;
the flight of the Rakshasis, and slaughter of the slav
and the wind-god's Son being* taken captive ; and his terr
roars while burning down Lank5; and his bounding b
over the ocean ; and the forcible possession of Hon
and Hanuman's consoling RSghava, and handing him
gem ; Rama's interview 'vith Ocean ; aud Nala's construct
the bridge, the army's crossing of the ocean; and
nightly seige of LankS ; and Rama's interview i
Bibhishana; the communication as to the means of desti
tion ; and the destruction of Kumbhakarna and MeghanS
and the destruction of Ravana, and the recovery of SitS in
enemy's city; and the sprinkling of Bibhishana, and the si
of Pushpaka; Rama's return towards AyodhyS, and meet
with BharadwSja; despatch of HanumSn ; and R5ma's m
ing with Bharata ; and the installation of Rama ; and the
missal of all the forces; and RSma's pleasing his subjc
and renunciation of SitS, — all else besides concerning R2
on earth, that hath not yet taken place, — have been d<
with by the worshipful sage in the last book.

SECTION IV.

W HEN RSma had obtained his kingdom, that worsi
ful sage Valmiki, composed the entire history [of that h<
in excellent metre and fraught with high meaning,
saint recited twenty-four thousand slokas ; and it cons
of five hundred sections, and is divided into six Kandas i
the Uttara. And having composed it, including as well fut
incidents to happen afterwards, that lord reflected as to >
should publish the same before assemblies. And as 1
great sage of purified soul was thus pondering, in came I^

bXlakAndam, 15

a, in the guise of the sons of ascetics, and touched
And he found those illustrious princes, the

Kusi and Lava, knowing morality, and living in a
;e, and endowed with sweet voices, — apt at taking in
ining of poetry. And finding them of a retentive
ent, and initiated into Vedic studies, that lord taught
)W to interpret the Vedas, and that vow-observing
fht them the great RSmSyana in full, treating of
fe, and the destruction of Paulastya. And those
)iced brothers, resembling Gandharbas in grace,
ished in music and dancing, and cognizant of
and Murchhana^ began to chaunt this poem delightful
tion and in singing, set in three measures, and seven
nd sung according to time to the accompaniment
jed instruments, and fraught with the sentiments

pathos, risibility, the irascible, the terrible, and the
And knowing the characteristics that go to make
Drama, and gifted with mellifluous voices, those
IS princes, coming from Rama's body, and resembling
:n as the reflection of the solar or the lunar disc
5S that disc, got by heart that excellent and moral

its entirety ; and those princes versed in the Fine
th a concentrated mind chaunted it as they had
, in the assemblies of ascetics and Brahmanas and
:n.

; upon a time, those highsouled and pious ones,
d with every auspicious mark, chaunted this poem
sembly of ascetics of purified souls. Having heard
sic, all the ascetics were seized with surprise, and
s flooded with tears, exclaimed, **Well done ! Well

And well pleased, those saints cherishing Duty,

the praiseworthy Kusa and Lava as they sang^

-"Ah ! what charming music ! What sweetness of

>es ! All this happened long ago, yet it seems as

aw it before us/' And unified with the theme,

1 6 nlMlyANA,

both of them singing together sweetly, and at a high pi
by means of saraja and the other notes, they entranced
audience. And the two thus went 6n sweetly singing
a high pitch, praised by those mighty sages priding in t
asceticism. Some one in the assembly pleased with 1
presented them with a water-pitcher; and some one of 1
fame, being delighted, made them a present of a bark garm<
and some one gave them a dark deer skin ; — and some-
thread, — and some, a kamandalu^ and some great s
conferred on them a maunja^ made girdle ; and some pe
granted them a vrishiX and some, a kaupina-^ And i
some ascetic, well-pleased, gave them an axe ; and son
red cloth ; and some, a thread for tying up their matted lo
and some gladly gave a twine for binding faggots wit
and some, ascetic presented them with a sacrificial ]
and some, a quantity of fire-wood ; and some, a seat n
of adumvart.^ And some exclaimed, **Swas^i;*' and s
joyfully cried, — *'May ye be long-lived !'* And all tl
ascetics of truthful speech conferred on them blessi
And the sages said, — '^Wonderful is the story ! And, (
accomplished in all kinds of music ! beautifully have
chaunted and finished this poem, charming ear and hi
and conferring long life and prosperty, — which will af
themes to poets." And admired everywhere, on one occa
those singers were seen by Bharata's eHer brother, i
street of Ayodhya, sparsely scattered with stalls. 4
having had the brothers Kusa and Lava brought undei
roof, that destroyer of enemies, Rama, accorded those I
worthy of honor, a respectful reception. And having sei
himself on a throne of excellent gold, in the midst ol

* An earthen or wooden water pot used by an ascetic,
t A kind of grass.

{The seat of an ascetic.

% A small piece of cloth worn by ascetics. I

♦ The glomerous fig tree.

BlLAKXNDAM. 17

cfcrothers and counsellors, that lord, RSma, beholding both
tithe brothers, handsome and of modest demeanour, spoke
• unto Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna, saying, — "Do ye
I listen to the story, fraught with excellent sense and composed
6 in excellent measure, as sung by these ones endowed with the
divine afflatus." And then he ordered the singers to begin.
Thereupon causing the down of the audience to stand on end,
and ravishing their minds and hearts, they began to sing melo-
diously and distinctly and in as high a pitch as they could com-
mand^ and in strains rivalling the notes of a VinS. And that
song of theirs enchanted the ear of that assembly. And Rama
said, — "Although these Kusa and Lava, of rigid penances,
look like ascetics, yet they bear on their persons the signs
of royalty. And, besides, the story conduces to my fame.
Do ye, therefore, listen to that history fraught with great
worth 1*' And then commanded by R5ma, th«y began to
chaunt according to the Marga mode, and Rlma seated in
the midst of his court, was drawn to the music, anxious for
the perpetuation of his history.

SECTION V.

HIS great story of Ram§yana treats of those victori-
ous kings commencing with PrajSpati, and having Ikshwaku
for their founder, who ruled the entire earth as no other
kings had done so before them, and in whose line Sagara
was born — Sagara who dug the ocean, and whom, while out
in progress, his sixty-thousand sons followed. We shall now
chaunt the entire history of that dynasty from the beginning.
Do ye, with minds free from ill will, listen to that story con-
ferring merit, profit and pleasure.

There is on the banks of the Sarayu a great and flourish-
ing country called Kosala abounding in corn and wealth, in
which the inhabitants passed their days pleasantly. And

x8 RlMlFANA.

the capital of that country was AyodhyS famed among m<
which was founded by Manu himself — that foremost
men. And that beautiful and mighty city was twelve ^^'^j
in length and ten in breadth ; and was intersected outsit
with spacious roads laid out orderly. And scattered wl
blown blossoms, and regularly sprinkled with water, the w<
arranged broad high-ways looked beautiful. And that oiHJ
bringing prosperity unto mighty kingdoms, King Da9aratl%^
lived in that city, like unto the lord of the deities inhabitia|^
the celestial regions. And the city was furnished with dooif
and gates, and well-arranged rows of shops. And it cotf^
tained all kinds of instruments and arms, and was inhabited
by all classes of artizans. And that graceful and matchlesdf
brilliant city abounded in eulogists and genealogists. Aoi
it was crowned with stately edifices with flags, and guarded
by hundreds of ^Saiaghnts, And the mighty city contained:
theatres for females, and gardens^ and mango-groves ; audi
was enclosed by a wall. And encircled by a deep moat^ tte
city was accessible neither to friend nor foe. And it
abounded with elephants and horses, and kine and camdi
and asses. And it was thronged with neighbouring kinj^
come to pay tribute, and inhabited by merchants from various
countries, and adorned with mountain-like palaces glitter*
ing with gems, and filled with sporting-places for femaleSg
and like unto Indra*s Amaravati. And the city was wonder-
ful to behold, gleaming with gold-burnished ornaments, and
inhabited by troops of courtezans, and abounding in all
kinds of gems, and graced with royal places. And it abound<»
ed in paddy and rice, and its water was sweet as the juice of
the sugar-cane. And it resounded with the sounds of Dun*
dubhis and Mirdangas and Vinds and Panavas. And that
foremost spot of all the earth was like unto an aerial car
obtained in heaven by the Siddhas, through force of ascetic

• A weapon commonly described as a stone set round with iron spikes.— T.

BlLAKiNDAM. 19

^ austerities, and thronged with the best specimens of humanity.
I And that city was filled by king Da9aratha with thousands
L of such MahSrathas* light-handed and accomplished in fight,
as could by force of arms or sharpened shafts slaughter
infuriated lions and tigers and boars roaming in the forest ;
yet as would not pierce with arrows persons lorn or abandoned
or hiding or fugitive. And it abounded mostly in excellent
Brahmanas, lighting the sacrificial fire, and crowned with
qualities, and versed in the Vedas and the VedSngas, and
giving away thousands, and ever abiding by truth, and
high-souled, and resembling mighty ascetic.

SECTION VI.

jO^ND in that city of Ayodhya resided king Da^aratha
versed in the Vedas, commanding all resources, far-sighted, of
mighty prowess, dear to the inhabitants both rural and urban,
an AtAtrathaf in the Ikshwaku line, performing sacrifices,
engaged in the performance of duties,self-controled like
unto a Maharsht, a royal saint famed in the three worlds,
possessed of strength, the destroyer of foes, having friends, of
subdued senses, comparable unto Sakra and Vaisravana by
virtue of accumulated riches and other possessions, and pro-
tecting people even as the highly energetic Manu protected
them. And as Indra rules Amaravati, that one firm in pro-
mise, and following duty, profit, and pleasure, ruled that best
of cities. And in that excellent city, the men were happy
and righteous-souled, and widely-read, and each contented
with his possessions, and devoid of covetuousness, and speak-
ittg the truth. And in that prime of cities, there was none
wiio had not at his command a plenteous supply of the good

* A warrior coping with ten thousand persons, and protecting both his
diarioteer and steeds. — T.

t A warrior fighting ten thousand Maharathas, — T,

20 RlMlFANA.

things, and there was no householder who was not well
in horses and kine, and corn and wealth. And one could
nowhere in Ayodhya persons given up to lust, or unsight
or crooked-minded, or unlettered, or atheistical. And
the men and all the women were of excellent character, a
subdued senses and a happy frame of mind, and both in
pect of occupation and conduct spotless like unto MaharSi
And all wore ear-rings and tiaras and garlands, and abu
antly enjoyed the good things of life. And all were cle^^
daubing their limbs, and perfuming their persons, and feed!
on pure food, and giving away, and wearing Angadi
and Nishkas\ and hand-ornaments, and repressing passions
And there were not in AyodhyS persons not lighting tht
sacrificial fire, or not performing sacrifices, or mean-minde^
or thieving, or engaged in improper occupations, orof impufit
descent. And the BrSLhmanas of subdued senses were alwayg
engaged in the performance of their own duties, giving aws^
in charity, and studying, and receiving gifts with discrimi*
nation. And none of them was atheistical or untruthful of
slenderly-read or detracting or incompetent or illiterate. And
there was no Brahmana who was not versed in the Vedai
and VedSngas, or not observing vows, or not giving away by
thousands, or poor-spirited, or of insane mind, or afHictedr
And no man and no woman was seen devoid of grace or -,
beauty, or lacking in reverence for their monarch. And thv^
four orders with BrSLhmanas at their head contained person^lj
serving gods and guests, and endowed with gratitude^
and munificent, and heroic, and possessing prowess. Aq4
the men were long-lived ; and ever abode by duty an^i^^d
truth ; and lived in that best of cities, always surroundedf^
by sons and grandsons and wives. The Kshatriyas were ♦
obedient unto the BrSLhmanas, and the Vai^yas followed the f

• A bracelet worn upon the upper arm. — T.
t An ornament for the breast or nfck. — T

. J

BlLAKlNDAM. 21

• Kshatriyas, and the Sudras, occupied with their proper
vocations, ministered unto the three other orders. And
that city was ably governed by that lord of IkshwSku's line,
even as that foremost of men, the intelligent Manu, had
governed it before him. And as a mountain-cavern
abounds with lions, it was filled with warriors resembling
flaming fire, of straight ways, unforbearing, and of accom-
plished learning. And the city abounded with excellent
horses sprung in KSmvoja, and Vahlika, and Vaniyu, and
the banks of the Sindhu, and like unto that best of horse,
Hari's charge ; and with fierce elephants sprung on the
Vindha mountain, and the Himavat, filled with juice, and of
exceeding strength, and resembling hills ; and with Bhadra,*
Mandra, and Mriga elephants j and those sprung from the
mixture of the three, and from the mixture of Bhadra and
Mandra, and from Bhadra and Mriga, and from Mriga and
Mandra, — superior like unto Airavata, and coming from
MahSipadma, Anjana, and Vimana breeds ; fierce, and look-
ing like hills. And that city was over two yojanas ;
and truly it was called AyodhyS.t And repressing enemies,
that city was governed by the great and the exceedingly
powerful king Da9aratha, even as the Moon sways the stars.
And that lord of earth resembling Sakra governed that city
of AyodhyS bearing a true name, furnished with strong gates
and bolts, and auspicious, and graced with excellent edifices,
and teeming with thousands.

* Those elephants whose limbs are contracted are Bhadras ; those whose
bodies are fat, slack, and contracted are Mandras ; and those whose bodies are
lean and larj^e are Mrigas. — T.

t Lit, incapable of being conquered. — T.

RlMlVANA,

SECTION VM.

HAT high-souled one of IkswSku's line had compet
counsellors, capable of administering business, of diving
the motives of others, and ever intent upon the ^ood of
monarch. And that heroic king had eight famous c
sellors, pure and devoted to the royal service,— z/is., Dh
and Vijaya, and Surlshtra, and Rlshtravardhana,
Akopa, and Dharmapala, and Sumantra the eighth, con
ant with profit. And he had two family priests after
heart : vtz, those foremost of saints, Vasistha and VSm
And he had other counsellors besides ; vis,, Suyajna,
JlLvSli, and Ka^yapa, and Gautama, and the longf-Iived
kandeya, and the regenerate K^tySiyana. Ever as
in counsel with these Brahmarshis, his priests
counsellors serving the dynasty from father to son,
learned yet modest, and bashful, and conversant with p
and of subdued-senses, and auspicious, and high-souled,
accomplished in the art of arms, and of high renown,
cautious, and acting according to their word, and pos
energy, forgiveness and fame, and ever preluding
speech with a smile, and never committing themselves
a lie either from anger or interest or desire, and
employing spies noting what was doing or done in
midst of their own or a hostile party. And they were ad
in intercourse with people, and well-tried in friendship
the monarch. And they were ever busy in replenishing
exchequer and in levying troops. And they did not ch
ill will even towards enemies, when innocent. And
were heroic, and ever high-spirited, following policy,
protecting those citizens that were pure, and not be
ill will towards BrShmanas and Kshatriyas, and filling
treasury ,by inflicting punishments according to the offence
the persons guilty. And during the time when those pure o
of one mind presided over the justice of the kingdom, th

bAlakAndam. 23

was neither in the city nor the provinces any that was a liar,
or wicked, or going after others' wives. And peace reigned
all around the city and the provinces. And the ministers
wore excellent raiment, and ornaments, and were engaged in
observing pure vows, and ever kept their eye of policy open, in
the interests of the monarch. And the king considered
them as crowned with virtues ; and they were lamed on
account of their prowess, concluding unerringly in con-
sequence of their intelligence of other countries. And in
all climes and times they could manifest their noble quali-
ties; and they were cognizant of war and peace, and
possessed of goodness, passion and ignorance. And they
.could keep their counsel, and judge of things finely, and were
well- versed in the art of policy, and ever fair-spoken.
Surrounded by such counsellors endowed with various quali-
ties, the faultless king Da9aratha ruled the earth, gather-
ing intelligence by means of spices, and righteously protecting
the subjects, and preserving the people, and not sacrificing
his duties, — famed over the three worlds. And munificent,
and firm in promise in battle, that best of men ruled
there this earth. Nor did he ever meet with a foe that was
cither his equal or superior. And possessed of friends, and
having obedient commanders, and extricating his thorns by
his might, that king ruled the earth, even as the lord of celes-
tials ruleth heaven. And surrounded by those counsellors
studious of his welfare, and bearing affection towards him,
and clever, and competent, that king, by virtue of his prow-
ess in subduing others, resembled the Sun surrounded by his
rays.

SECTION Vlll.

^A-ND although engaged in austerities with the view of
having sons born to him, the powerful and high-souled king,
hadino son capable of perpetuating his line. And mentally

24 RlMlFANA.

turning the matter over, the high-souled one thought, "'
do I not celebrate a horse-sacrifice with the intention
obtaining a son ?'* And that highly-energetic, ^ious
intelligent monarch, in consultation with all his counsel!
of sedate minds, having made up his mind to celebrate tif
sacrifice, said unto that best of counsellors, Sumantra, — ''Bl
thou speedily summon my spiritual guides, along with Al
family priests." Thereupon, going out speedily, SumantrsiCl
swift movements called together all the spiritual guides, ai
well as others versed in the Vedic ritual ; vtz.y Suyajna, afli
V^madeva, and Javali, and Ka9yapa, and Vasistha^ ai4
other principal twice-born ones. And having paid homa^
unto them, the virtuous king Da9aratha then spoke lurti
them these sweet words, consistent with duty and interel^
— **Ever pining on account of a son, I know no happiness^
therefore it is my intention that I should celebrate a hoia^
sacrifice. I intend to celebrate it according to the ordinaiMt
Do ye, therefore, consider how I may attain my object**
Thereat, the Brahmanas with Vasistha at their head, exclaim*
ing ''Well ! Well T' approved the words that had fallei
from the lips of the monarch. And exceedingly pleaaoi^
they spoke unto Da9aratha saying, — '*Do thou order tihft
necessary articles, loose the horse, and prepare the sacii*
ficial ground on the north bank of the Sarayu. And| 0
king, since with the intention of obtaining offspring thos ;
purposest so piously, thou wilt surely obtain sons aftflf ;
thy heart.'* And hearing these words of the regeneniB ■
ones, the king was highly gratified. And with eyes expaiidM
in delight, he spoke unto his ministers, — **Do ye prooM
the necessary sacrificial articles, according to the injunctifoa
of my spiritual preceptors ; and loose a horse prob
by a competent person, and followed by one of the
family priests ; and do ye prepare the sacrifical groun<
the north bank of the Sarayu ; and do ye in due orderj
according to the ordinance perform the rites require^

BlLAKiNOAM. 15

secure an uninterrupted completion to the ceremony. This
ceremony is incapable of being celebrated by every king.
Particular care should be taken that the sacrifice is not
defective on account of any serious omission ; inasmuch as
with learned Brahma-Rakshasas ever on the look-out to
espy shortcomings in the ceremony » the performer thereof
speedily perishes, should anything take place not consonant
to the Ordinance. And do ye possessed of ability so arrange,
that this sacrifice may be completed in harmony with the
ritual." Thus addressed with due respect, the counsellors
listened to the words of the monarch, and said, ''So be it."

Then taking the permission of that best of kings, those
regenerate ones knowing duty, having blessed the monarch,
returned to their respective quarters. And dismissing
those Br&hmanas, the king spoke unto his minister, saying,
—"Do ye, even as the family priests have ordered, arrange
for the sacrifice !" Having said this, that mighty-minded
and best of men dismissed his ministers, and himself
entered into the inner apartment. And coming there, that
lord of men said unto his favourite wives, — *'Do ye know it
for certain that in order to obtain a son I am going to
pecform a sacrifice." And hearing those sweet words, the
countenances of those shining dames looked resplendent, likd
lotuses after the cold season is over.

SECTION IX.

JlLbaring all about it, the king's charioteer addressed
the monarch in private, saying, — **Do thou listen to what is
related in ancient history, and to what I have heard myself I
This horse-sacrifice is enjoined by the family priests ; and I
ha^V myself heard the following story celebrated in ancient
chronicle. And what the worshipful Sanat KumSra had said

i6 RlMJkYANA.

formerly in the presence of the saints, applies, O king,
the case of thy havin^^ a son. "KSgyapa hath a son kno
by the name of BibhSndaka. He will get a son cal
Rhishyasringa. And he will grow up and pass his days
the woods. And that foremost of BrSihmanas will not kiMJI^
aught else save following his father. And, O king, iti|
rumoured abroad, and also always said by the Vipras^ tliil
that high-souled one will practise the two modes'^ of 13rahm#
charya life. And he will spend some time in serving Ai
sacrificial fire and his famous sire. At this time, the powin*
ful Romap^da of exceeding strength will be famed as ktnf j
of the Angas. And in consequence of some default on hi|
part, there will occur in his kingdom a terrible and dreadfil
drouth, capable of striking terror into all. And filled wilk
grief on account of this drouth, the king will call aboiAr
him Veda-accomplished BrSLhmanas, and speak unto
them, saying, — "Ye are conversant with the Vedic ritual
and the social duties. Do ye, therefore, tell me hxm
to expiate for this evil." And thus accosted by the kia|^
those excellent Br&hmanas versed in the Vedas, will w§
unto that ruler of earth,— ''Do thou, O monarch, by al*
means, bring Bibh&ndaka's son. And having, O kiagif
brought that BrlLhmana versed in the Vedas, Bibh&ndaka's toif
Rhishyasringa, and duly honored him, do thou, O monard^
with a concentrated mind, bestow upon him thy daughttf
Santa, according to the ordinance." And hearing thoM
words of theirs, the king will be^^in to think as to how he ca9
bring over that one endowed with energy. Then in consultai
tion with his counsellors, the prudent king having come In
a conclusion, will, honoring them duly, desire his priest a«j|
his courtiers to set out in quest of Rhishyasriuga. Theni|^

* Those that assume the staflF and the kamandalu are reckoned the
order ; while those that continue to live with their wives are considered
next in worth — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. a;

upon hearing the king's words, with aggrieved hearts, and
with heads hanging down, they will beseech the monarch,
saying,— "Afraid of the saint, BIbhandaka, we shall not be
able to repair thither.*' Anon hitting upon the appropriate
means, they say, — *We will search for the Vipra, and no
blame shall attach unto us.' —

Thus by help of courtezans, the saint's son was brought
by the lord of the Angas. And then the god (Indra) poured
down showers; and the king conferred on him Santa. And
now thy son-in-law Rhishyasringa will help thee in obtaining
a son. Now I have related unto thee what Sanat Kum§ra
had communicated." Thereupon king Da9aratha, well
pleased, spoke unto Sumantra, — "Do thou now tell me by
what means Rhishyasringa was brought over (by the lord
of the Angas)"

SECTION X.

Xhus asked by the king, Sumantra said these words, —
**I will relate unto thee how the counsellors brought Rhishya-
sringa. Do thou listen with thy counsellors ! The priest
together with the counsellors spoke unto RomapSda, saying, —
'The means that we have hit upon can never fail of effect.'
Rhishyasringa hath been brought up in woods ; and is
engaged in austerities and the study of the Vedas ; and is
ignorant of the pleasure that ensueth from contact with
women. By help of things agreeably ministering unto the
senses, and ravishing the soul, we shall bring him to the
city. Do thou, therefore, arrange for them ! Let courtezans
of comely presence, clad in ornaments, repair thither. And
if well treated, they will by various means bring him hither.'
Hearing this, the king said unto the priest, — *So be it V
and laid the charge upon him, — who, however, made it
over to the courtiers. And the latter acted accordingly.

»3 RlMlVAm*

And in accordance with the instructions, the courtesy
entered that great forest ; and remaining at some disi
from the hermitage, endeavoured to meet with the sober
of the saint ever dwelling in the woods. And satisSil
with serving his sire, he never strayed from the hermitagif
and consequently had never seen men and women, or Mp
other creatures living in cities and towns. And it came li
pass that on one occasion, walking about at will, Bibhftndafcl#l
son came to that spot and beheld the courtezans. Aal
excellently attired, and singing in sweet voices, the womm
said unto the saint's son, — *Who art thou ? And wM
dost thou, O BrSLhmana ? We wish to learn all this. Aai
why is it that thou rangest alone this far-off forest V Btaft
holding these beautiful damsels never seen before, he it^m
delight, hastened to inform them of his lineage, 'My fufhif
is BibhSndaka ; and I am his son, having sprung from Ui
loins. My name is Rhishyasringa ; and my occupation U
known the world over. And this auspicious hermitage baii
by belongs to us ; and there I shall receive you all ii\ 4m
form.* Hearing the words of the saint's son, they all roa*
sented, and the women went to behold that asylum. Aai
when they had come there, the saint's son received tbMH
hospitably, saying, — 'Here is Arghya* 'Here is waiMf
for washing the feet,' 'Here are fruits and roots.' Audi
thereupon they readily received his hospitality. Aai
actuated by the fear of the saint, Bibh9Lndaka, they liMi
their minds upon departing soon. And they said,<*^'I||^
thou also, O twice-born one, receive from us these exceUeai
fruits! And, good betide thee, O Vipra, do not tarty f
And thereupon, embracing him joyfully, they gave uala
him sweetmeats and various kinds of savoury viands. Aii(
tasting those things, that one of exceeding energy took thei^li,
for fruits, never tasted before by the dwellers of the fon
Then, having accosted him, the women, feigning the obsei
vance of some vow, went away, inspired with the fear

BlLAKlNDAM. 19

Ills father. And when they had gone, that twice-born one,
KS^yapa's son, became sad, and from grief of heart went
this way and that. And the next day his mind momentarily
running upon it, the graceful son of Bibh^ndaka, endowed
with prowess, came to that spot where he had encountered
the comely courtezans, adorned with ornaments. And as
soon as they observed him coming, they came forward, and
said, — Do thou, O BrShmana, come unto our hermitage!
There are in that asylum diverse kinds of fruits and roots ;
and there thou wilt surely feed thy fill. Thereupon, hear-
ing those words of theirs capable of influencing the heart,
he became bent upon going, — and the women brought him
away. And when that high-souled Vipra had been brought
over, the good, Indra, suddenly poured forth plenteous show-
ers, enlivening the spirits of men. And when the ascetic
had arrived, with showers, the king approached him in
humble guise, bending his head to the ground. And he
offered him ArghyUy in due form, and with a collected mind;
and asked for his favor, so that wrath could not influence
the Vipra. And taking him into the inner apartments, and
in due form conferring upon him in sober mood his
daughter Santa, the king became happy. Thus the highly
powerful Rishyasringa together with his wife Santa, began
to live there, respectfully ministered unto in regard to every
desire."

SECTION XI.

.O^ND he said again, — ''O foremost of monarchs, do tbou
liflten to me as I relate how that intelligent Sanat Kumara,
best of deities, spoke. 4n the line of Ikshwaku will be born
a righteous king, named Da^aratha, fair of form^ and firm
in promise. And that king will contract friendship with the

30 RAMXFANA.

ruler of the Angas. And the latter will have a highly pti
daughter, SSntSL by name. And the (old) king of the Ai
will have a son, named RomapSLda. And repairing unto
the highly famous king Da^aratha will speak unto Roi
pida, — O righteous-souled one I am without issue. IM\
Santa's husband, desired by thee, take charge of this
fice of mine, to be celebrated with the object of my obtall^
ing a son to perpetuate the race. — Hearing these words ill
the king, and having pondered well, he will make over mM
him Rhishyasringa of subdued senses, together with SMi'
and his children. And taking that Vipra, that king, Ift^
mind free from anxiety, with a glad heart, will prefMMir
for that sacrifice. And king Da9aratha, knowing duty aai
desirous of fame, with the intention of obtaining nflTinuiig
and heaven, with joined hands, will appoint that best^fi
BrSihmanas, Rhishyasringa, to conduct the ceremony. AdI
that bringer of good will attain his object at the haddsili
that foremost of Br&hmanas; and four sons will be boralp
him of immeasurable prowess, bringing fame unto the Umk^
ly, and known by all.' Thus spoke formerly in the diviai
age, that worshipful and foremost of deities, Sanat Kumiff^
Therefore, do thou, O best of men, repairing thither, iCK
companied with thy forces and equipage, thyself, O mighty Vitnf^
bring Rhishyasringa over with due honors." And hearing Slf
mantra's words, Dagaratha was exceedingly delighted. AmA^
hearing these words, and permitted by Vasishtha, he, acconi|MI^
nied with the ladies, and his courtiers, set out for the plaoir
where that twice-born one was. And gradually passingby W4
and fells, he arrived at the place where that foremost of
was. And coming before that best of regenerate ones, h#
saw that sage's son near Romap9Lda, like unto flaming iifg^/
Then the king received him respectfully, and with a delig^4tf^
ed mind, on account of the friendship he bore him. And hfii!
communicated unto the intelligent son of the saint, the fa4t^;
of their intimacy, and then the latter paid homage unl

bXlakXndam. 31

I Dd^aratha. Having passed seven or eight days with
I Romap^da, receiving high honors, that foremost of men,

• Dayaratha spoke unto Romapada, saying, — "Let thy daughter,
O king, together with her husband, O lord of men, repair unto
my city. 1 am going to be engaged in a mighty enterprise.*'
Hearing this as to the journey of that intelligent one, the
king said unto that Vipra, — "Do thou repair with thy wife 1"
Thereupon the saint's son, promising to go, said unto the
king, — **So be it !" And then with the king's permission,
he set out with his wife. And Da9aratha and the puissant
Romap&da clasping each other by the palm, and embracing
each other in affection, attained excess of joy. Then Raghu's
son, bidding farewell unto his friend, set out. And he
despatched swift messengers to the citizens, saying, — "Let
the entire city be embellished ; let it be perfumed with dhupa^
and watered and decked with pennons." And hearing
of the king's approach, the citizens joyfully did every
thing as they had been commanded. Then the monarch,
^ith that foremost of Brahmanas before him, entered the
decorated city, to the blares of conchs and drums. And
beholdiitg that Br^hmana entering the city, duly honored by

* the prime of men, subservient unto Indra, like unto Ka^yapa's
son entering the celestial regions, honored of the thousand-
eyed lord of the celestials, all the citizens rejoiced exceeding-
ly. Then taking him into the inner apartment, and paying
him homage according to the ordinance, the king considered
himself as having gained his object, in consequence of the
presence of that Brahmana. And all the inniates of the
inner apartment, seeing the large-eyed SSntS thus arrived
with her husband, experienced excess of joy. Then honored
by them and the king in especial, she happily spent there
some time along with that twice-born one.

3t RlMlrANA.

SECTION XII.

Xhen after a long while, when the charming spriagr \tk
appeared on the earth, the king conceived the desire 4>
celebrating the sacrifice. Then bowing down the head Mil
that Vipra effulgent like a celestial, he appointed hinn li
undertake the ceremony, for the purpose of obtaining of*
spring to perpetuate his line. Then that Br&hmana said mli
that lord of the earth, the king, — "So be it 1 Do thou oviff
the necessary provisions, loose the horse, and prepmrti
sacrificial ground on the north bank of the Sarayu." Thco tli
king spoke unto Sumantra, saying, — *'0 Sumantra, do tiMl
sommoii speedily BrSLhmanas versed in the Vedas and piiMll
professing the Ved&nta philosophy — Suyajna, and V&niadef%
and Jdvali, and K&9yapa, and the priest Vasistha, togetlMr
with other excellent twice-born ones.'' Thereupon SumaaUi
endowed with activity, bestirring himself, summoned all thMI
versed in the Vedas. Then, honoring them duly, the virt
king Da9aratha spoke unto them these amiable words,
sistent with duty and interest, — "Aggrieved on account ol
a son, I have no happiness on earth, — and therefore, I havt
intended to celebrate a horse-sacrifice. And by the gract
of the saint's son, I shall obtain my desire." ThereapM,
the BrSihmanas with Vasishtha at their head honored tkl
words that fell from the king's lips, saying,— '* Well." Aai
the BrSklimanas headed by Rhishyasringa addressed the kia^
saying, — "Do thou arrange for the provisions, loose tfct
horse, and prepare the sacrificial ground on the north bavli
of the Sarayu ! And since thou purposest so virtuously Im
obtaining offspring, thou shalt obtain four sons of
measurable prowess." And bearing those words of the
nerate ones, the king was exceedingly delighted.. All
cheerfully he spoke these auspicious words to his courtier%«*
"In accordance with the directions of my spiritual gui

B Ala KIND AM, 3 J

do ye speedily procure these provisions, — loose the horse
well protected, and followed by a priest, — and prepare the
sacrificial ground on the north bank of the Sarayu. And
do ye perform the ceremonies capable of securing the rites
from disturbance. Surely every king is competent to per-
form this sacrifice. Yet care must be taken that no default
occurs in it. For flaws in this foremost of sacrifices ar*
watched by learned Brahma-Rakshasas. And should it com6
to be celebrated in violation of the ordinance, the performer
thereof shall meet with instant destruction. And do ye so
order that this sacrifice of mine may be completed accord-
ing to the prescribed ritual." Thereupon honoring those
words of the king, the ministers did as ordered. And
having eulogized the king knowing duty, the twice-born
ones, with the Monarch's leave, departed for their respective
quarters. And when the Vipras had gone, the mighty-
minded lord of men dismissing his counsellors, entered the
inner apartment.

SECTION XIII.

.ND when after a full one year, spring had again
appeared on the face of the earth, the puissant king, intent
upon getting offspring through the horse-sacrifice, saught
Vasishtha's side. And having saluted Vasishtha and duly paid
him homage, he humbly spoke unto that best of twice-born
ones, with the intention of having offspring. '*Do thou,
O Brahmana, undertake to perform this sacrifice of mine,
according to the ordinance, O foremost of ascetics ! And
do thou order so that no impediment may happen to the
sacrifice ! Thou art my kind friend, "and prime and mighty
spiritual g^ide. Engaged in it, thou wilt have to bear the
entire burden of the ceremony.'* Thereupon that best of
Brdbmanas said, — "So be it! I will do all that thou

34 RlMlrANA.

askest/' He then said unto old Br&hmanas well-up.
sacrificial affairs, and experienced car-makers, and hi
pious aged people, and servants, carrying on the cerem
operations till the end, and artists, and carpenters,
diggers, and astrologers, and artizans, and dancers, and
ductors of theatres, and pure and learned persons variovl^
versed in knowledge, — "Do ye, in obedience to the royri
mandate, engage in the sacrificial work ! And fetch bridb
by thousands! Do ye raise structures for the kiagl^
commanding every convenience ! And do ye rear j^otjjj^
and comfortable buildings by hundreds for the BrSLhmaMi^
replenished with various meats and drinks. Ye frliniM
provide spacious apartments for the citizens and the dwdbs
of provinces, — and separate quarters for the princes,
ing from foreign parts ; and stables for horses, and
rooms, — and wide apartments for native and foreign
riors. And dwellings 6lled with diverse kinds of viands,
commanding everything desirable, — and mansions for At
luwer orders of the citizens^ exceedingly beautiful to bdloHL
And meats should be duly dispensed with respect^ and Ml
in the indifference of festive occasions, — so that dl
may regard themselves as honorably entertained. NsM
should be disregarded out of lust or passion. Thoii
persons, and artizans, that will labor eagerly in the
should by turns, be especially entertained ; and
who, being entertained with gifts, do every thing completaiR
and omit nothing. And do ye, with hearts mollified by toi%
act so, that all our friends be well pleased with us." »

Then they approached Vasishtha, saying, — "EverjrtUM
hath been performed properly, without anything being h||
out. And what thou sayest shall be performed, and nothiig
omitted." Then summoning Sumantra, Vasishtha said tlMt
words, — ''Do thou invite all those kings that are pinmirl'
and Br&hmanas, and Kshatriyas and Sudras, by thou
And do thou with due honors bring people from all count

BILAKXNDAM, 35

^ And, with proper honor thyself bring the righteous, truthful,
i and heroic Janaka, lord of MithilS. And it is because he
t is our old friend that I first mention him. Then do thou
thyself bring the amiable and ever fair-spoken lord of KSlsi,
of execellent character, resembling a celestial. Then do
thou bringr hither along with his son, the highly-pious, old
king of Kekaya, who is the father in-law of thi^ best of
monarchs ! Then do thou bring with due honors the puissant
king of Ko9ala, and that mighty archer, the illustrious
RomSpada, the friend of that lion of a king, and that foremost
of men — the heroic, and hiorhly generous lord of Magadha,
versed in all branches of learning. And in accordance with
the mandate of the king, do thou invite the foremost monarchs !
And do thou summon the kinsrs of the East, of the Sindhu
and Sauvira countries, and of Saurashtra, and of the South !
And do thou speedily bringr those monarchs that are attached
unto us, together with their friends and followers. Do thou
in obedience to the mandate of the monarch, bring over
these, despatching dignified emissaries l"

Having heard those words of Vasishtha, Sumantra
speedily ordered faithful persons anent the bringing over of
the kings. And the virtuous Sumantra, in accordance with the
injunction of the ascetic, himself speedily set out for the
purpose of bringing the monarchs. And then the servants
came and informed the intelligent Vasishtha as to the
articles that had been got ready for the sacrifice. Then well-
pleased that best of twice-born ones, the ascetic Vasishtha,
said unto them, — "Do not give away disrespectfully or
lightly. A gift bestowed with disrespect, indubitably des-
troyeth the giver."

Then for several days, kings began to pour into Da9a-
ratha's city daily and nightly, bringing with them various
kinds of gems. Thereupon Vasishtha well-pleased said unto
the king, — "O best of men, obeying thy mandate the
kings have come here ; and I too, according to merft, have

36 RlMlYANA,

received those excellent kings with respect. And cvi
thing hath been carefully made ready for the sacrific^^
the persons concerned. Do thou, therefore, repair to tl£
sacrificial ground, for performing the sacrifice. And, Q:
foremost of monarclis, it behoveth thee to view the. plaQt
filled with all desirable objects, and looking as if prepared %
imagination herself.*'

Then in accordance with the injunctions of both VasUlrtIi
and Rhishyasringa, the king came to the sacrificial spot fi
a day presided over by an auspicious star. Then, witH
Rhishyasringa at there head, Vasishtha and the other piitt
cipal BrSlhmanas wending to the . sacrificial ground, bcijgli
the ceremony, according to the ordinance ; and in due fonk
And the auspicious king, in company with his wives,
initiated into the ceremony.

SECTION XIV.

.ND after the expiry of full one year, when the
cial horse had returned, the sacrifice of the king commei
on the north bank of the Sarayu. And with Rhishyasriagil
at their head, the principal twice born ones beg^n ||it
proceedings in that mighty horse-sacrifice of that high-aodii
monarch. And the priests, each duly and according ti.
the ordinance performing his proper part, engaged ia |kt
ceremony in consonance with the scriptures. And lll(
regenerate ones, having performed the pravargya as «(il
as the upasada according to the ordinance, duly compMift \
the additional ceremonies. Then, worshipping the d«iiil|'^
with glad hearts, those foremost of ascetics duly perforsMi
the morning ablutions and the other prescribed
The oblations of clarified butter first having been oflfl
unto Indra, according to the ritual, the king with a
fied heart performed his ablutions. And then the mid^

BlLAKlNDAM, 37

ablutions took place in proper sequence. And those fore-
most of BrSihmanas, in due form, and according to the ordi-
nance, officiated at the third bath of that high-souled monarch.
And the priests presided over by Rhishyasringa, invoked
Sakra and the other deities, reciting measured mantras.
And the sacrificial priests, chaunting sweet Sdmas and soft
mantras, duly invoking the dwellers of the celestial regions,
offered each his share of the oblations. And no part
of the ceremony was performed improperly, or left out,—
and every thing was satisfactorily celebrated with mantras.
And on that day no Brahmana ever felt tired, or hungry ;
and there was none that was not learned, or that was not
followed by an hundred persons. And BrShmanas, and
Sudras having among them ascetics, and Sramanas, and the
aged, and the infirm, and women, and children, were con-
tinually fed. And although they ate their fill, yet they
knew no repletion. And ''Give food, and clothes of various
kind" — (was heard all around). And those employed
in the task gave away profusely. And every day food
dressed properly in due form was to be seen in countless
heaps resembling hills. And men and women coming from
various countries to the sacrifice of that high-souled one
were excellently entertained with meats and drinks. And
the foremost regenerate ones said, — "The viands have been
prepared in the prescribed form, and they taste excellent.
We have been gratified. Good betide thee !" All this was
heard by that descendant of Raghu. And persons adorned
with ornaments distributed the victuals among the Brahmanas,
and they were assisted by others beaming jewelled
pendants. And in the interval between the completion of
one bath and the beginning of the next, mild and eloquent
Vipras, desirous of victory, engaged in various disputations.
And every day in that sacrifice, skilful BrShmanas, engaged
in the ceremony, did every thing, according to the ritual.
And there was no twice-born one that was not versed in the

38 RlMlFANA,

Vedas and the VedSngas, or that did not observe vo^
that was not profoundly learned, — nor did any assist at
sacrifice that could not argue ably. And when the time
for planting the Yupas, persons cognizant of arts and
ficial rites, prepared six Yupas of Vilwa^ as many of catechib
and as many of Palasa, and one of Sleshmataka, and two it
Devadaru well-made and measuring two outstretched anHi
Persons versed in the arts and science of sacrifice constmcffll
these Yupas. And at the time of throwing up the YuptK^
for embellishing the sacrifice, these one and twenty Yti^^m^
each measuring one and twenty Aratnts, having eigll
angles, and smooth-faced were decked out in one and tweal^
pieces of cloth, and were firmly planted with due ceremoakl
by artizans. And being wrapped up in cloths, and worshipp^
with flowers, they looked like the seven Rishis appearing
in the welkin. And an adequate number of bricks
also duly made (for the ceremony.) And Br^hmanas
plished in the arts constructed the sacrificial fire-place wftll.
those bricks. And that fire-place of that lion among kingiii
set by skilful BrShmanas, consisting on three sides of eiglil»
een bricks, looked like the golden-winged Garura. And for
the purpose of sacrificing them unto the respective deities weit
collected beasts and reptiles, and birds, and horses, iw|
aquatic animals. And the priests sacrificed all these in pio#
per form. And to these Yupas were bound three hundred
beasts, as well as the foremost of the best horses belonging
to king Da^aratha. Then Kau^alySL, having performed tfts
preliminary rites, with three strokes slew that horse, experi-
encing great glee. And with the view of reaping merili
Kau9alySL, with an undisturbed heart passed one night y/Mk
that horse furnished with wings. And the Hoids and
Adhwaryus, and the Udgatas joined the king's Vdvii$
along with his Mahishi and Parivrttt,* And priests of soIk

* The Kshetriya kings could manry wives from among Kshetriyas, VaiM^t|
and Sadras. The Kshetriya wife is called Mahishee, the Vaishya wife V^hkiHt
aud the Sudra wife Parivriii. — T. _

BXLAKXNDAM. 39

dued senses, well-up in sacrificial rites, began to offer obla-
tions with the fat of the winged-horse, according to the
ordinance. And that lord of men, desirous of removing his
sins, at the proper time smelt the odour of the smoke arising
from the fat, agreeably to the scriptures. And then sixteen
sacrificial priests in the prescribed form offered the various parts
of the horse unto the fire. It is customary in other sacrifices
to offer the oblations by means of a Plaksha bough ; but in
the horse-sacrifice a cane is used instead. The horse-sacri-
fice, according to the Kalpa Sutras and the Brahmanas,
extend over three days. T here after, on the first day was the
Chatushtoma celebrated ; and on the second the Uktha^-^^
and on the third the Atiratra, And then the Jyotish-
toma^ and then Ayushtoma^ and the Atiratra^ and the
Abhijtiy and the Viswajit, and the Aptoryama — all these
various great sacrifices were celebrated with due rites. And in
this mighty horse-sacrifice founded of yore by Sayambhu.that
perpetuator of his line, the king, bestowed the Eastern
quarter on his chief sacrificial priest, the Western on his
Adhwaryuy the Southern on Brahma, and the Northern on
the Udgathf as Dakshinas, And having completed that
sacrifice, that perpetuator of his race, and foremost of men,
the king, conferred on the priests the earth ; and having con-
ferred it, that auspicious descendant of Iskhaku experienced
high delight. And then the priests spoke unto that monarch,
who had all his sins purged off, saying, — "Thou alone art
worthy to protect the entire world. We do not want the
earth ; nor can we rule it^ being, O lord of Earth, cons-
tantly engaged in Vaidika studies. Do thou, therefore, confer
upon us something instead, as the price thereof. Do thou
confer upon us gems, or gold, or kine, or anything else, for,
O foremost of monarchs, we do not want Earth." Thus
addressed by the Brahmanas versed in the Veda, that best
of kings bestowed upon them ten lacs of kine, and ten Koiis
of gold, and forty of silver. Then those priests in a body,

40 RlMlFANA.

accepting the wealth, brought it unto the ascetic Rhisl
sringa and the intelligent Vasishtha. Then having receii
each his share, those foremost of regenerate ones
exceedingly pleased, and said, — "We have been hi|
gratified." Then unto those Brahmanas that had come
the king with due regard gave Koits of gold. And UM'
unto a certain poor twice-born one that asked for g^ifts, lli
descendant of Raghu gave an excellent ornament front lb
own arm. And, when the regenerate ones were thus profMB^f
gratified, that one cherishing the Brahmanas, with
intoxicated by excess of joy, reverentially bowed unto
And thereupon the Br&hmanas uttered various blessings Itpii
that generous king, bending low to the earth. Then havny
celebrated that excellent and sin-destroying sacrifice, briaf^
ing heaven, and incapable of being celebrated by foreaMt
monarchs, king Da^aratha, well pleased, spoke unto RhishjflH
sringa, saying, — '^O thou of excellent vows, itbehoveththcel*
do that whereby my line may increase.'' Thereupon Ihs
best of BrSlhmanas said, — ''Be it so ! Unto thee, O king, «B
be born four sons, — perpetuators of their race." HearMg
these sweet words of his, that foremost of monarchs bendsA
low unto him with controlled faculties, and experienced thB
excess of joy. And then that high-souled one again spoktf
unto Rhishyasringa.

SECTION XV.

T """. . ''^

Xhen that one of capacious intelligence, versed in fh0
Vedas, having pondered for a time, and regained his senstH)^
returned unto the king this excellent answer, — **0n thy bt«
half, and with the view of obtaining sons for thee, I wfl
by help of mantras laid down in the Atharva Veda^ ddjjf
celebrate the famous ceremony, capable of crowning tlM
with offspring.'' And then with the view of obtaining

BILAKXNDAM. 41

^ (for the king), that effulgent one set about the son-conferring
y ceremony ; and in accordance with the ordinance, and with
[ mantraSf offered oblations unto the sacrificial fire. And the
deities, with the GandharbaSy and the Siddhas, and the
principal saints^ assembled there duly, with the object of
each obtaining his share of the offerings. And having
duly assembled there, the deities addressed these words unto
BrahmS, the lord of creatures, — "O thou possessed of the six
attributes, through thy grace, a RSkshasa named Ravana
oppresses us all by his prowess, — nor can we baffle him.
And, O lord, as thou hast well-pleased conferred on him a
boon, we always suffer him in deference to it. And
the wicked-minded one harasseth the three worlds furnished
with prosperity, and beareth ill-will unto them. And blinded
by the boon he hath received, that irrepressible one
intends to bring down the lord himself of the celestials, and
the YakshaSi and the Gandharbas, and the Brahmanas, and
the Asuras. And the Sun doth not burn him, or the Wind
blow about him ; and at sight of him, that one engarlanded
with billows, the Ocean, dares not stir. Therefore, great is
the fear that afllicteth us, coming from that Rakshasa of
dreadful appearance. And O lord, it behoves thee to de-
vise some means for destroying him/' Thus addressed by the
deities in a body, he said, — *'Alas ! I have, however, decided
on the means of destroying that wicked-souled one. He had
asked, — 'May I be incapable of being slain by Ga?tdharbas,
and Yakshas, and gods, and Rakskasas V — whereat I said, —
'Beitso!' Through disdain, the Rakshasa did not at that
time mention men. Therefore, by men alone he is capable of
being slain ; nor can his end be compassed by any other
means." Hearing this welcome speech uttered by Brahma,
the deities and the Maharshis became exceedingly delighted.
At this juncture, that lord of the universe, the highly-efful-
gent Vishnu, clad in yellow apparel, and bearing in his hands
the conch, the discus, and the mace, and adorned with bur-

42 RlMllANA.

nished Keyuras* arrived there,riding VinaUk's son ; like
the Sun riding the clouds. And worshipped by the fon
of the celestials, he drew near BrahmSL, and sat dowtt
•a collected mind. And bending low before him, the deljlpi^
«pake unto him, saying, — "O Vishnu, for the benefit of ill
worlds, we shall appoint thee to some work. Do tlKMI^^
lord^ dividing thyself into four, O Vishnu, become bora (P
sons in the three wives, resembling Modesty,AuspicioiMM|i^
and Fame, — of Ayodhya's lord, king Da9aratha| cognixmni jf
Duty, and munificent, and possessing energy, and like .ii|lt|i-i
Maharshi. Do thou, O Vishnu, becoming man, slay in h&tfit
this thorn of the worlds ; the pampered R&vana, incapi|||
•of being slain by the gods; for the foolish
by virtue of sublimated prowess, baffles the deities,
the Gandharbas^ and the Siddhas^ and the foremost lif
saints. And by him bereft of the sense of right and mum^
have saints and Candharbas and Apsaras sporting in tki
groves of Nandana, been wantonly slain. It is to coon
pass bis death that accompanied by the ascetics, we k^s
come hither: it is for this that the Siddhas and the Gm^
dharbas and the Yakshas have taken refuge in Thee I T%ifBltk
O God, art the prime way of us all, O repressor of foes I Jh
thou, for bringing destruction unto the enemies of the fgpii^
turn thy thoughts to being born as man/' Thus besongpilf:
that foremost of gods and chief of celestials, Vishnu, woft^*
shipped of all creatures, addressed the assembled deitkl%"
following Duty, with the Grand-sire at their head, sajrtng^
*'Do ye renounce fear ! For your behoof, slaying in iMmif
the wily and irrepressible RSLvana, dreadful unto the saiifir
and the celestials, together with his sons, and grandsoM'
and friends, and counsellors, and relatives, and acqofiril^^
ances, I will abide among mortals, ruling this earth for I(n|
thousand and as many hundred years." Having thus

* A bracelet worn on the upper arm. — T.

BlLAKlNDAM, 4J

ferred a boon upon the gods, the god Vishnu of subdued
soul fell to thinking as to the place where he would be born
among men. Then that one of eyes resembling lotus-petals,
.dividing self into four parts, chose even king Da^aratha for
his father. Thereat the celestials and the saints and the
Candharbas and the Rudras and the Apsaras hymned the
Slayer of Madhu in excellent hymns :

"Do thou utterly uproot the haughty RSLvana of fierce
prowess and enhanced insolence — that foe of the lord of
celestialsi who is the occasion of the tears of the three
worlds,"^ and dreadful unto ascetics; Slaying that one of
terrible prowess, who distresses the three worlds, with his
forces and friends, do thou, O foremost of gods, thy fever of
heart removed, repair unto the celestial regions protected by
thee and purged of all its faults and sins."

SECTION XVI.

JLhus besought by the foremost of the celestials,
thatt searcher of hearts, Vishnu, although cognizant of the
means whereby RSLvana was to be destroyed, spake unto the
gods these amiable words, — "What, ye gods, is the means
of compassing the destruction of that lord of the Rakshasas,
by adopting which I could slay that thorn of the ascetics ?"
Thus addressed, the deities answered Vishnu, incapable of
deterioration, saying, — "Assuming the form of a human
being, do thou in battle slay Rivana ! He, O repressor of
foes, had for a long course of time performed rigid austrei-
ttes ; and thereat, that creator of all, the first-create Brahmi

* IM, the thorns of pious ascetics. — T.

t Ndra means a multitude, and Ayana, dwelling-place. He whose dwell-
ing-place is a multitude, is Ndrayatta. Metaphorically, the word means
evidently, ikm S§arekmt of hearts. — T,

44 \RlMXrANA.

was well pleased. And propitiated by his penancesi; ll#;
Master conferred'a boon on the RSLkshasa to the effect
that, save man, no fear should come to him from the vwak
ous beings. And in the matter of that boon-bestowilg,'
man had formerly been disregarded by (Ravana). And puffrf
up with pride in consequence of the boon he received faoB
the Grand-sire, he commits ravages upon the three worldi^
and carries away the fair sex by violence. Therefor^ 0
subduer of enemies, we have even fixed upon man ilf
bringing about his death.'' Hearing this speech of fim
celestials, Vishnu of subdued soul chose even king Da9anitlt
for his father. And at that time, eagerly wishing tn
have sons, that destroyer of enemies, the effulgent ki^^
Da9aratha, who was sonless, was celebrating the sacrifice
that conferreth male offspring. Then, having ascertained the
course to follow, Vishnu, having greeted the Grand-sin^
vanished there, worshipped by the deities and the Maharshii.
And then himself bearing in his hands a capacious vettd
made of burnished gold, with a sil\er cover, — dear likeamto
a spouse, and resembling the divine Creative energy, fiDed
with ctXiisiisAPdyasay'^lxoxn out the sacrificial fire ofDa9aniAft
initiated into the ceremony, there arose a mighty beinj|^» rf
unparalleled prowess, high energy, and huge strength, bbcfc»
and wearing a crimson apparel, with a red face, uttering dbe
blares of a trumpet, and having a body covered with leo&iwi
hair, having whiskers and an excellent head of hair, furniriMl
with auspicious marks, and adorned with celestial omamefilih
andrcsembling a mountain-peak, and bearing the prowess ofn
flaming tiger,and like unto the Sun or tongues of flaming fin*
And with his eyes fixed upon Dayaratha, he addressed l|kl
king, saying, — "O monarch, lake thou me as a person coxamSkt
sioned by PrrtyV?/^//'/' Hearing him speak thus,Da9aratha|Wiife
joined hands, said, — 'Lord, art thou well come? What Cttt

A preparation of milk, and sugar.— T.

BILAKANDAM, 45

do for thee ?" Thereupon, that person despatched by Praja-
pati again spake thus, — "O kingr, having adored the deities,
thou hast to-day obtained this. Do thou foremost of kings,
accept this excellent and divinly-prepared Pdyasa^ conferring
sons^ health, and affluence, — which thou art to give unto thy
worthy consorts, saying, — Partake it. Through them thou
wilt, O monarch, obtain sons, — for obtaining whom thou hast
performed this sacrifice." Thereupon, saying, — "So be it,"
the lord ol men delightedly placed that divinely-bestowed
golden vessel filled with the celestial Pdyasa upon his head.
And having saluted that wonderful being of gracious presence,
be in excess of joy began to go round him again and again.
Then Da9aratha, having received that divinely-prepared
Pdyasa^ waxed exceeding glad ; like unto a pauper attaining
plenty. Then that .highly effulgent being of a wonderful
form, having performed that mission of his, vanished even
there. And Da9aratha's inner apartment, being graced with
the rays of joy, looked like unto the welkin flooded with the
lovely beams of the autumnal moon. Then entering the
inner apnitment, he spake unto Kau9alya, saying, — *Take
thou this Pdyasa \ for this will make thee bear a son." Hav-
ing said this,the king offered unto her a portion of this Pdyasa,
Then he conferred upon Sumitra a fourth of it. Then inorder
that she might have a son, king Da9aratha made over unto
Kaikeyi an equal portion of what remained. And then having
reflected, the mighty-minded one gave unto Sumitra the re-
maining portion of K\i^ Pdyasa resembling ambrosia. Thus the
king dispensed \\\^Pdyasa unto each and all of his wives. And
those foremost wives of the king, having received that
Pdyasa, became exceedingly delighted, and considered them-
selves as highly honored. Then those excellent consoits of
the lord of earth, having separately partaken of that choice
Pdyasa, shortly bore offspring, resmbling fire or the Sun.
And the king, beholding those wives of his bearing children,
obtained his desire and became delighted ; even as that fore-

4^ RlMlFANA.

most of the celestials, Indra, while being worshipped hfWi
Siddhas and the ascetics.

SECTION XVII,

W HEN Vishnu had accepted the sonship of that \a^
souled king, the self-create Lord addressed the celestialst aif*
ing, — "For assisting the heroic Vishnu firm in pomifai^
always seeking the welfare of us all, do ye create poweiM
beings, assuming shapes at will, cognizant of illusionSi liefiii^
furnished with the celerity of the wind, versed in monli^i
possessing intelligence, like unto Vishnu in prowess, unsliyi*
able, knowing the ways and means (of war and peace) gfifiei
with excellent bodies, capable of resisting all weapons, wtiL
resembling immortals. And from forth the bodies of tkr
foremost Apsaris, and Gandharbis, and Yakskts, and Pm^.
nagist and I^ikshis,* and Vidhyidharis^ and Kinnaris^ aad
VanartSt^ do ye produce sons wearing the shapes of monkcfs..
Formerly I had created that foremost of bears, JftmboYla^ .
who suddenly came out of my mouth as I was yawning/'
Hearing this mandate of Him possessed of the six atlri*
butes, they began to produce sons endowed with monkcf*
forms. And high-souled ascetics, and Siddhas, and V$tfyi
dharas, and [/ragas, and Chdranas, generated heroic
rangers of woods. And Indra begat as his son that
most of monkeys, V&li, resembling the Mahendra hil^
that best of those imparting heat, the Sun, Sugrivk
And Vrihaspati begat the mighty ape named Tftra, the moit
excellent and intelligent of the prime monkeys. Anl
the Bestower of riches begat as his son the graceful ape

• She-bears.— T.
t She-monkeys. — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 47

I GandhamSldana. And Vi9wakarma begat that mighty
monkey named Nala; and Agni begat as his son the powerful
and graceful Nila in effulgence like unto the fire, who
surpassed even his sire in energy, prowess, and renown.
And the beautiful A9wins, endowed with the wealth of
loveliness, begat Maindra and Dw ivida. And Varuna begat
the monkey named Sushena ; and Paryyanya begat Sara-
va, possessed of great strength. And the Wind god begat
the graceful monkey named Hanuu)&n, endeued with a frame
hard as adamant ; in fleetness like unto VinatSL's offsprings and
the most intelligent as well as the most powerful amongst all
the principal monkeys. Thus produced, there suddenly came
into being by thousands, mighty bears, and monkeys, and Go-
puchchhaSf* of immeasurable strength^ and heroic, and power-
ful, assuming shapes at will, endowed with bodies resem-
bling elephants of hills,— even those who would engage
in compassing the destruction of the Ten-headed one. And
the sons of the deities retained distinctly the respective
hues, forms, and prowess, that characterized their several
sires. And those that sprang from the ^Golangulas, possess-
ed even more than the might of the gods. Likewise, on
Rikshis and Kinnaris were gladly begot thousands upon
thousands of monkeys, by gods, and Maharshis^ and
Gandarbas^ and Tarkshyas^ and famous Yakshas, and
N€igds^ and Ktm/>urusAas,X and Siddhas and Vidyddharas,
and Uragas. And upon the principal Apsarts, and the
VtdyddhariSi and the daughters of the Ndgas^ and the Gan-
^ar^flr were begot by the C^^ranaj as sons, heroic monkeys
of gigantic bodies, ranging the forests and living on fruits
and roots. And all these monkeys were endowed with

strength ; and could assume shapes and repair everywhere,

* Cow-tailed monkeys- — ^T.
t Cow- tailed monkeys. — ^T.
X Being half*man and half-beast. — T.

48 RlMllANA.

at will. And they were like unto lions and tigers, bothii|
pride and in prowess. And they faught with crags and hnriel'
hills. And they faught with nails and teeth, — and ^'ere acco»
plished in all weapons. And they could move the iaq^
hills; and crush the fixed trees; and with their impetus, m
that lord of rivers — the Ocean. And they could with Adr
kicks rend the Earth, and swim over the mighty main, hak
they could penetrate into the welkin, — and capture tk
clouds. And they could subdue mad elephants ranging tk
forest. And with their roars, they could bring down biidi
singing. Thus came into being Koiis of high-souled leadoi
of monkey-herds, assuming forms at will. And these beciM
the leaders of the principal monkey-herds ; and they, in thdr
turn, generated heroic monkeys, the foremost of the leaden
of herds.

Some of these monkeys began to dwell on the top d
the Rikshavana mountain ; while others inhabited varioif
other mountains and forests. And all the leaders of monkcj*
herds stayed with those brothers, — Sugriva, the son of Ae
Sun-god. and Vali, that of Sakra, — and also with Nala, aal
Nila, and Hanuman, and other leaders of monkey-herds. Aid
endowed with the might of Garura, and accomplished in fight,
they ranged around, poundiug lions, and tigers, and migh^
Uragas, And the mighty-armed V§li of great prowess aad
redoubtable strength protected by virtue of the energy fli
his arms Rikshas^ and Gopuchchhas, and monkeys. Asd
this earth, furnished with mountains^ and forests, and oceanii
began to teem with those heroic lords of leaders of monkc}^
herds, inhabiting different places, bearing characteristic
marks, resembling masses of clouds, or mountain-peakSi
possessed of mighty strength, and of terrible bodies and
visages, — in order that they might assist RSma.

BlLAKlNDAM, 49

SECTION XVI II.

W HEN the horse-sacrifice of the high-souled Da9aratha
had been completed, the immortals, accepting each his
share, returned whence they had come. And the monarch,
having observed all the rules of initiation, entered the
palace with his equipage and retinue. And the lords of
he earth, having been received suitably by the king, with
glad hearts set out for their own countries, saluting that
foremost of ascetics (Rhishyasiinga). And clad in bright
apparel, the delighted forces belonging to those graceful
kings repairing to their own homes, looked exceedingly
beautiful. When the lords of the earth had gone away, the
graceful king Da^aratha re-entered his palace, with the
foremost of regenerate ones at his head. And followed by
the intelligent monarch with his retinue, Rhishyaringa,
having been duly honored, set out with SantS. Having thus
dismissed them all, the king, his object attained, began to
dwell there happily, expecting sons.

And then when tbe six seasons had rolled away after the
completion of the sacrifice, in the twelfth month, on the
ninth lunar day, under the influence of the Punarvasu
asterism, when the Sun, the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and
Venus were at Arius, Capricorn, Libra, Cancer, and Pisces,
—and when Jupiter had arisen with the Moon at Cancer,
Kau9aly§ gave birth to that lord of the universe, bowed
unto by all the worlds, RSLma, the descendant of IkshwSLku,
furnished with excellent marks, — the one lalf of Vishnu, —
exceedingly righteous, with rosy eyes, and mighty arms, and
crimson nether lip, and endowed with a voice like the sound
of a kettledrum. Then on having given birth to that son
of immeasurable prowess, Kau^alyd looked resplendent, like
Aditi on having brought forth that foremost of celestials — the

50 RAmAFANA.

wielder of the Ihunder-bolt. And then was born of Kaikeyi,
Bharata, having truth for prowess, endowed with all the
virtues, and the very fourth part of Vishnu. And then
Sumitra gave birth unto Lakshmana and Satrughna, heroic,
and skilled in all weapons, and endowed with the half of
Vishnu. And Bharata of purged intelligence was born under
the asterism Pushyd^ when the Sun had entered Pisces ; while
the two sons of Sumitra were born when the Sun arose in
Cancer^ under the asterism of Asleskd.*

And thus were separately born four high-souled sons
unto the king, crowned with qualities, and graceful, and in
loveliness resembling the constellations Prosthapada^
Thereat the Gandharbas began to chaunt sweetly, and the
Apsards to dance. And the celestial kettledrums sounded ;
and there showered down blossoms from the sky. And high
festivities were commenced by the multitude in Ayodhyft.
And the spacious highways became filled with players and
dancers, glittering with all kinds of gems, and resounding
with the music of singers and performers on instruments.
And the king bestowed gifts upon bards and genealogists
and pencgyrists, and he also gave kine by thousands to
Brahmanas.

And when the eleventh day had gone by, the king per-
formed the Naming ceremony of his sons. And experiencing
great delight, Vasishtha conferred the names. And the high-
souled eldest one was called RiLma ; and Kaikeyi's son was
called Bharata ; and Sumitr&'s son was called Lakshmana,-^
and the last was named Satrughna. And the king fed the
BrSLhmanas as well as the inhabitants rural and urban ; and
he bestowed heaps of jewels upon BrSLhmanas. Thus did
he celebrate the natal rites of the princes. And among all

• The ninth lunar mansion. — T.

t Otherwise called Vttarahhddrapada and PurvabMdrapada, — T,

BILAKXNDAM, 51

those princes, the eldest, Rama, like unto Ketu,* and the
special delight of his father, became the object of general
regard, even as the self-create Himself. And all of them were
versed in the Vedas, and heroic, and intent upon the welfare
of others. And all were accomplished in knowledge ; and
endowed with virtues. And among them all, the exceeding-
ly puissant Rama, having truth for prowess, was the desire
of every one, and spotless like unto the Moon himself.t
He could ride on elephants and horses, and was an adept
in managing cars. And he was ever engaged in the study
of arms, and aye occupied in ministering unto his sire. And
even from early youth, that enhancer of auspiciousness,
Lakshmana, was ever attached unto his eldest brother Rama,
that delight of all. And like unto another life of Rama,
Lakshmana furnished with auspiciousness was in everything
attentive to RSlma's wishes, even at the neglect of his own
person. And that foremost of persons did not even attain
sleep without Rama's company, — nor did he partake any
sweetmeat that was offered, unless RSlma partook it with him.
And when mounted on horse-back, Raghava went a-hunting,
Lakshmana went at his back bow in hand, protecting him.
And that younger brother of Lakshmana, Satrughna, likewise
became ever dearer unto Bharata than life itself.

And on account of those exalted and well-beloved sons
of his, Da9aratha experienced the excess of joy, like unto
the Grand-sire on account of the celestials. And when they
came to be furnished with knowledge, and crowned with
virtues, and endowed with bashfulness and fame, and to
attain wisdom in everything, and to be far-sighted,Da9aratha,
the father of such powerful and flamingly effulgent sons,
became delighted even like that lord of worlds — BrahmS.
And those best of men, ever engaged in the study of

* The ninth of the planets. — T.

t The Moon is a male in Sanskrit. — T.

51 RImXVANA.

the Vedas, were accomplished in the art of archery— 411A
always intent upon ministering unto their father.

And once upon a time, when the virtuous king Da^arathti
surrounded by his priests and friends, was reflecting about
the nuptials of his sons, unto that high-souled one engaged
in thought in the midst of his counsellors came the mighty
ascetic ViswSmitra. And desirous of seeing the king, he
said unto the warders, — *'Do ye speedily announce that I,
G2idhi*s son, sprung in the Ku^ika line, have come !'* Hear*
ing tliose v.orus of his, th^y, urged on by them, all hurriedly
began to run towards the royal chambers. And coming to
the royal apartments, they communicated to Ikshw2lku's
descendant the arrival of the ascetic Viswdmitra. Hearing
those words of theirs, Da9aratha surrounded by his priests,
went out delightedly to meet him, like VSisava going out to
meet Vrihashpati.* And having come unto that ascetic
observing vows and of flaming energy, the monarch with a
cheerful countenance offered him the Arghya, And there-
upon, having accepted the king's Arghya in accordance
with the ordinance, he enquired of the lord of men as to hit
continued prosperity and peace. And the exceedingly virtu*
ous descendant of Ku^ika asked the king concerning the
welfare of the exchequer, and the provinces ; and the peace
of his friends and acquaintances. *'And are thy captains sub-
missive : and hast thou vanquished thy foes ? And hast thou
performed well the human and the divine rites ?" And
approaching Vasishiha and the other anchorites, that foremost
of ascetics of exalted piety duly asked them touching their
welfare. And having been properly received by the monarch,
they with glad hearts entered the royal residence, and sat
them down according to precedence. Then gladly worshipping
the mighty ascetic, Viswamitra, the exceedingly generous king,

• The text has Brahn*anani Vriha5hpati is the Brahma of the |^odt—

Vrtkash/>atir dn'ttftam D>nhva, — ac^-orHirg to Sfuti — T

BILAKXXDAM. 53

well-pleased, addressed him, saying, — "Like unto the obtain-
ing of ambrosia, like unto a shower in a land suffering from
drouth, like unto the birth of sons of worthy wives to him
without issue,like unto the recovery of a lost thing,yea, — like
unto th« dawning of a mighty joy, I consider this thy arrival.

0 iMustrious ascetic, thou art well come. What is even
that which is nearest to thy heart. What shall I do for thee,
experiencing sincere pleasure ? Thou, O Brahmana, art
worthy of my best services. - By luck it is that, O bcstower
of honor, I have gained thee. To-day my birth hath been
crowned with fruit — to day hath my life attained its object.
And truly yesternight hath been succeeded by an auspi-
cious morning,since I have beheld thee. Having first attained
exceeding effulgence by virtue of austerities performed
for obtaining the title of Rdjarshi, thou hast afterwards
obtained the status of a Brahmarshi. Thou art worthy of
manifold homage from me. This thy exceedingly holy arrival
appeareth wonderful. O lord, by beholding thee, surely my
body hath been rendered pure. Tell me, what is it that
thou wouldst have, — and what is the purpose of thy coming ?

1 wish that 1 may be obliged by doing thy will. And, O
thou of excellent vows, thou ought not to hesitate. I will

every way accomplish thy will ; for thou art my god.
O rcgnerate one, surely great prosperity cometh to me in
consequence of thy coining, in as much as it shall be the
means of bringing me entire and excellent merit, O Brah-
mana!" Hearing this soul-soothing, ear-charming, and
free-humble speech that was uttered, that illustrious prime
of ascetics crowned with virtues, and furnished with all
perfections, experienced exceeding delight.

54 RImTlVANA.

SECTION XIX.

JLLEARiNG those astonishing words of that lion-like
king.the highly-energetic ViswSmitra with his down standing
on end, said, — "O foremost of kings,sprung from an illustrious
line, and having Vasishtha for thy guide, these words become
thee alone on earth and no one else. Do thou, O best of
kings, ascertain thy course in respect of the matter I bear
in my heart; and do thou prove firm in promise I For
celebrating a sacrifice, I, O foremost of men, abide by some
prescribed course. And it comes to pass that two RSLkshasas
assuming shapes at will, have become bent upon disturbing
the ceremony. And in that sacrifice which I have determined
to bring to a completion, and which is on the eve of being
completed, both these Rakshasas, Maricha and Suv2UiU|
accomplished in arms and possessed of prowess, shower flesh
and gore upon the altar. And on that ceremony being
thus disturbed and my purpose thus frustrated, I consideied
my labors as all lost, and, therefore, have left my country
in dejection. An J, O monarch, I cannot bring myself to
vent my wrath ; for such is the nature of that business, that
it is not proper for one engaged in it to utter a curse. There-
fore, O foremost of monarchs, it behoves thee to grant me
thy eldest son, the heroic RSLma of genuine prowess, with
the side-locks. By virtue of his own divine energy, he, being
protected by me, is capable of even destroying those RSksha-
sas disturbing the ceremony. And I will, without doubt,confer
upon him manifold blessings, — by means of which he will
secure the golden opinions of the three worlds. And en-
countering Rama, they will by no means be able to stand him,
nor is there any other who dares to slay them. And puffed
up with energy, they have become ensnared at the hands of
Kala * — and, O best of monarchs, they are no match for

♦ Yama, the god of death.

BlLAKliNDAM. 55

'RSma. Nor, O king, ought thou to indulge in paternal
affection. For ten nights only RSima is to remain there, with
the object of slaying those foes to my sacrifice, those
RSLkshasas disturbing the rites. I tell thee, do thou consider
the RSLkshasas as already slain.. I know full well Rama of
sterling prowess, — as also the highly-energetic Vasishtha and
the other ascetics present here. And if thou, O king, set thy
heart upon acquiring religious merit and high fame on earth,
do thou then grant me RSma ! And, O Kakutstha,^ if thy
counsellors together with the Brahmanas having Vasishtha
at their head, consent, do thou then dismiss Rama ! Even
this is my wish^ — and he also hath come of age. Do thou,
therefore, part with thy son, the lotus-eyed RSLma, for the
ten days of the sacrifice ! Do thou act so, O descendant of
Raghu, that the time appointed for the ceremony may not be
overpassed. Good betide thee I Let not thy mind indulge
in grief !"

Having said these words consistent with virtue and
interest, the mighty-minded and highly-powerful ViswSmitra
paused. And hearing the auspicious words of Viswamitra,
that foremost of kings shook w*ith a mighty sorrow, and
became bewildered. Then, having regained his sense, he rose
up and became cast down through apprehension. Having
heard the words of the ascetic, capable of rending the mind
and heart, the high-souled king of men became stricken with
grief and shook on his seat.

SECTION XX.

.EARING the words of Visw§mitra, that best of
monarchs remained insensible for a time, — and then regaining

* From Kakudf an emblem of royalty and 5Ma, residing, — meaning a
prince, the grandson of Ikshwakv. — T.

his sense, spake thus, -"My lotus-eyed Rima is not yet
turned of sixteen ; and I do not perceive his fitness to cope
with R^kshasas in battle. I am the lord of this Akshauhim?
of forces. Marching with this, will I en^agre with the night*
rangers. And these servants of mine are valiant, and
warlike, and accomplished in weapons, and capable of
fighting: the Rakshasas, — therefore, it behoveth thee not to
take Rama. And myself bow in hand, stationed at the Tan
of the array, will battle with the rangers of the night as long
as life is spared unto me. And then well protected, thj
sacrifice will hold an unimpeded course. Therefore, I will
repair thither, — and it behoveth thee not to take Rima.
And youthful, and unaccomplished, and not knowing what
constitutes strength and what not, and not equipped with
the energy of science, — and unskilful in fight, he is not
a match for Rakshasas,— they being deceitful warriors.
Bereft of RSma, O best of ascetics, I cannot live for a
moment. Therefore, it behoveth thee not to take him. If,
O BrS^hmana, it is thy intention to take R§ma, then, O thoi
of excellent vows, do thou also take me along with the
Cha/uraitgaf forces ! O Ku^ika's son, I am sixty thousand
years old ; and (at this age) I have obtained R&ma after
undergoing extreme troubles, — it therefore becometh thee
not to take RSima. And among the four sons of mine, I find
my highest delight in RSma, my first-born, and the most
virtuous of them all, — therefore, it behoveth thee not to take
RSma. What is the prowess of the Rakshasas ? And whose
sons are they ? And who, pray, are they ? And what arc the
proportions of their bodies 9 And who protecteth them, 0
foremost of ascetics ? And by what means shall either Rima,
or my forces, or, O Brahmana, I myself be able to slay in fight
those deceitful warriors — the Rdkshasas ? Do thou tell me.

* A complete army consisting of 1,09,350 foot, 65,610 horse, SlAv
chariots, and 31,^70 elephants. — T.

t An army consisting of foot, horse, elephants, and cars.«^T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 57

0 adorable one, inflated as they are by virtue of their prow-
ess, how can I stand them in fight ?'' Hearing that speech
of his, ViywSLmitra said, — *' There is a Rakshasa named
RSlvana, sprung from the line of Pulastya. Having obtained
a boon from BrahmS, he boldly opposeth himself to the three
worlds, being possessed of great strength, and prowess, and
backed by innumerable RSkshasas. And, O mighty monarch,

1 also hear that that lord of the Rakshasas is the very
brother of Vai9ravana and the son of the ascetic Vi9ravan.
And when that one possessed of mighty strength does not
stoop to disturb the sacrifice himself, those powerful
Rikshasas, M&rich and SuvSihu, being incited by him, dis-
turb the rites." The ascetic having spoken thus, the king
then answered him, — '' I am incapable of standing that
wicked-souled one in fight. Therefore, do thou, O thou
versed in morality, extend thy favor unto my son ! Of slender
fortune as I am, thou art my guide and my god. Even the
celestials and the Ddnavas and the Gandharbas and the
Birds and the Snakes are incapable of bearing RSlvana in
battle — what then is man ? He depriveth in conflict even
the puissant of their prowess. I cannot fight either with him
or with his forces. And, O foremost of ascetics, whether
thou art accompanied with my son or my forces, thou wilt
not be able to stand him. And how can I^ O Brahmana,
make over unto thee my son, of tender years, resembling an
immortal, who is ignorant of warfare ? I will not part with
my son. The sons of Sunda and Upasunda resemble KSlla
himself in battle, — and it is they who are disturbing thy
sacrifice. Therefore I will not part with my son. And
MSLricha and Suvahu are possessed of prowess, and accom-
plished in weapons. But with my friends I will repair to
encounter one of them. If thou do not consent to this, I
beseech thee with my friends, (do thou desist !)" Hearing
these words of the lord of men, a mighty ire took possession
of that foremost of regenerate ones, Ku9ika*s son ; and the

58 RlMlYANA.

fire of the Maharshi's wrath flamed up even like unto a firt
fed by fuel and clarified butter.

SECTION XXI.

JljLearing those words of Da9arathai composed of
letters faltering with affection, Ku9ika's son, stirred up with
auger, answered the monarch, saying, — ''Having promised
me first, thou endeavourest to renounce that promise of
thine. This surely is unworthy of a descendant of Raghu,—
and this can bring destruction upon the dynasty. If, 0
king, in acting thus, thou hast acted properly, I will
then repair to the place whence I had come. O KSLkuthstha's
descendant false in promise, do thou attain happiness, being
surrounded by thy friends.*' And when the intelligent
Vi^wamitra was exercised with wrath, the entire earth began
to tremble, and the gods even were inspired with awe.
And knowing that the entire universe was in trepidation,
that mighty saint, the sedate Vasishtha of excellent vows, said
these words unto the king, — ''Born in the line of Ikshwikn,
thou art the very second self of virtue. And endowed
with patience, and auspicious^ and observing excellent
vows, thou ought not to renounce virtue. The descendant of
Raghu is famed over the three worlds as righteous-souled. Do
thou maintain thy habit of adhering to promise ; for it doth
not behove thee to act unrighteously. If having promised, — 'I
will do so,' thou dost not act up to thy word, the merit thou hast
achieved by digging tanks and by ptjrforming sacrifices shall
come to naught, — therefore do thou renounce R^ma! Ac-
complished or not accomplished in weapons, the RiLkshasas
cannot bear him protected by Ku^ika's son, like ambrosia,
by flaming fire. This one is Virtue incarnate : this one is the
foremost of those possessing prowess. This one surpasseth
all others in learning, and is the refuge of asceticism.

BILAKANDAM, S9

This one is cognizant of all the weapons that exist in the
three worlds furnished with mobile and imobile things ; but
others do not know him, — nor yet shall know him hereafter.
And neither the gods, nor the saints, nor the immortals^ nor
the R2ikshasas, nor the foremost of Gandharbas and Yakshas,
nor the Kinnaras, nor the mighty Serpents can know him.
And formerly while the descendant of Ku^ika was ruling
bis kingdom, Siva conferred upon him the highly famous sons
of Kri959wa in the shape of all weapons. And those sons of
Kri9a9vva were the offspring of Prajapati's daughters. They
were endowed with various forms, and were effulgent and
dreadful. And Daksha's daughters of elegant waists, Jaya and
SuprabhcL, brought forth an hundred exceedingly effulgent
weapons. And by virtue of her boon, Jaya obtained fifty sons
of immeasurable strength and endued with the power of
becoming invisible for the purpose of slaughtering the hosts
of the Asuras. And Suprabha also brought forth fifty sons
named Sanhdras^ incapable of being borne, and infallible,
and powerful. Ku9ika's son is adequately conversant with
all those weapons. And that one knowing duty is also
capable of creating wonderful weapons. And, O descendant
of Raghu, there is nothing present, past, or future which is not
known by that foremost of ascetics of high soul, and cogniz-
ant of morality. Such is the prowess of that highly famous
Vi9wSLmitra possessed of mighty energy. Therefore, O king,
it behoveth thee not to hesitate in the matter of Rama's going.
The descendant of Ku9ika is himself capable of repressing
the Rftkshasas ; and it is in order to thy son's welfare that
coming unto thee, he asketh for him of thee." At this speech
of the ascetic, that foremost of Raghus, the king, well-
pleased, became exceedingly delighted. And that famous one,
relishing the journey of Rama, began to reflect in his mind
about consigning him unto Ku9ika's son.

6o RXmIFANA.

SECTION XXII.

\J PON Vasishtha*s representing this, king Da^arathi
himself^ with a complacent countenance, summoned unto him
Rama and Lakshmana. And when the auspicious rites had
been performed by both Rama's father and mother, and when
the priest Vasishtha had uttered mantras^ king Da9arathai
smelling his son's crown, with a glad heart, made him over
unto the descendant of Ku9ika. Then there blew a Breeze free
from dust and of delicious feel, on witnessing the lotus-eyed
Rama at the hands of Vi^wamitra. And as the high-souled one
was about to set out, blossoms began to shower down copi-
ously, accompanied with the sounds of celestial kettle-drums
and the loud blares of conchs. Vi^w&mitra went firsti and
next the highly famous RSLma with the side-locks, holding
the bow. And him followed Sumitra's son. And equipped
with quivers, and with bows in hand, gracing the ten cardinal
points and resembling three-hooded serpents, they followed
the high-souled VicwSimitra, like the two stalwart Aswins
following the Grand-sire. And those effulgent ones of faultless
limbs went in the wake of the ascetic, illumining him with
their grace. And like unto those sons of his, Skanda and
Bisakha following the incomprehensible deity^ SthSLDOi
those youthful brothers of comely persons and faultless
limbs, Rama and Lakshmana, highly effulgent, carrying
bows in hand, adorned with ornaments, and equipped
with scimitars, with their fingers encased in Guana bkin,
flamingly followed Ku9ika's son, beautifying him with
their splendour. And having proceeded over half a Yojana^
and arriving at the right bank of the Sarayu, Vi^wimitra
addressed these sweet words unto RSma, — "O RSma ! do
thou, O child, take of this water : let no delay occur. Do
thou receive the mantras Vala and AtivalS, — and thou wilt
not feel fatigue or fever or undergo any change of look, and

BlLAKlNDAM, 6i

whether asleep or heedless, the RSikshasas will not be able to
surprise thee. And, O RSLma, the might of thy arms will be un-
equalled in this world, — nay, in all the three worlds.
There shall be none — thy equal. Do thou, O RSghava,
recite Vala and Ativala, O child ! And, O sinless one,
when thou hast secured these two kinds of knowledge,
none in this world will equal thee in good fortune, or in talent,
or in philosophic wisdom or in subtle apprehension, or in
the capacity of answering a controversialist ; for Vala and
Ativala are the nurses of all knowledge. And, O Rama, O
foremost of men, if thou recitest Vala and Ativala on the way,
neither hunger nor thirst will exercise thee, O descendant of
Raghu ! And if thou recitest these, thou wilt attain fame on
earth. Those sciences fraught with energy are the daughters of
the Grandsire. I intend to confer them upon thee, O
K&kutstha ; and, O lord of earth, they are worthy to be
conferred upon thee as thou art possessed of various virtues.
Thou need not entertain any doubt about it. And if thou learn
them like unto the exercise of asceticism they wmII prove
of manifold good unto thee." Thereat Rama with a cheerful
countenance sipping water, with a purified body received
those sciences from the Maharshi of subdued soul. And
furnished with the sciences, Rama of dreadful prowess
appeared resplendent, even like the adorable autumnal Sun
invested with a thousand rays. Then Rama having rendered
unto Ku9ika's son all the duties appertaining to a spiritual
{{uidCi the three happily spent that night on the banks of the
Sarayu. And although those excellent sons of Da9aratha
lay down on an unbeseeming bed of grass, yet in consequence .
of the sweet converse of Ku^ika's son^ the night .seemed to
pass pleasantly away.

6 J /iXAfAyAXA.

SECTION XXlll

.ND when the night had passed away, the mightj
ascetic spoke unto KSikutstha, b''"S ^own on a bed of leaves,
— "O Rama, the best son of Kau9aIySL, the first SandhySL*
should now be performed. Do thou, O foremost of
men, arise ! Thou shouldst perform the purificatory riles
and contemplate the gods.*' Hearing those proper words of
the ascetic, those foremost of men, endowed with hero«
ism, bathed, and, offering Arghya^ began to recite the
Giyatri.t And having performed these daily duties, those
exceedingly powerful ones, greeting Vigwamitra having
asceticism for wealth, stood before him, with the object of
starting on their journey. And as those ones endowed with
exceeding prowess were proceeding,at the shining confluence
of the Sarayu and the Ganga they beheld a noble river flowing
in three branches. And there lay a holy hermitage, belonging
to ascetics of subdued souls, where they had been carrying on
their high austerities for thausands of years. Beholding
that sacred asylum, those descendants of Raghu, exceedingly
delighted, spake unto the high-soulcd Vi^wSimitra, these
words, — ''Whose is this sacred hermitage ? And what man
liveth here ? O worshipful one, we are desirous of hearing
this. Surely, great is our curiosity.'' At those words of theirs,
that foremost of ascetics^ smiling, said, — ''Hear, O Rftma, as
to whom the asylum belonged in time past. Kandarpa,
called Kama by the wise, was once incarnate (on earth.) And
it came to pass that as that lord of the deities, Sth&nu, having
performed here his austerities in accordance with the prescribed
restrictions, was wending his way in company with the
Maruts, that fool-hardy wight dared disturb the equanimity

* Brahmanis havo to psrform their daily devotions thrice,-in the moniia^
at noon, and in the eveninj^. — T.

t The folar hymn of the Veda. — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 63

of his mind. Thereupon, O descendant of Raghu, uttering
a roar, the high-souled Rudra eyed him steadfastly. And
thereat all the limbs of that perverse-hearted one became
blasted. On his body being consumed by that high-
souled one, KSLma was deprived of his person in consequence
of the ire of that foremost among the deities ; and^ O RS.-
ghava, from that time forth, he hath become known as
Ananga.''^ And the place where he was deprived of his body
is the lovely land of Anga. This sacred hermitage belongs
to Siva; and these ascetics engaged in pious acts, O hero, have
been from father to son his disciples. And no sin toucheth them.
Here, O R§ma, in the midst of the sacred streams, will we
spend the night, O thou of gracious presence, crossing over
on the morrow. Let us then, having purified ourselves,
enter the holy hermitage ! It is highly desirable for us to
sojourn here, — here will we happily spend the night, having
bathed, and recited the mantras, and offered oblation unto
the sacrificial fire, O best of men !''

As they were conversing thus, the ascetics were highly
delighted on discovering them by means of their far-reaching
spiritual vision, — and they jejoiced greatly. Then giv-
ing Ku9ika's son water to wash his feet and Arghya^
and extending unto him also the rites of hospitality,
they next entertained Rama and Lakshmana. And having
experienced their hospitality, they (the guests) delighted
them with their talk. And then the saints with collected minds
recited their evening prayers. And having been shown their
destined place of rest along with ascetics of excellent vows,
they happily passed that night in that hermitage affording
every comfort. And that foremost of ascetics, the righteous-
soulcd son of Ku9ika, by means of his excellent converse,
charmed the prepossessing sons of the monarch.

♦ Lit. the bodiless.— T.

64 RlMlYANA.

SECTION XXIV

Xhen next morning which happened to be fine, those
repressors of their foes, with Vi9wamitra who had pcr^
formed morning rites at their head, came to the banks
of the river.* And those high-souled ascetics observing
vows, having brought an elegant bark addressed Vi^w&mitra,
saying, — "Do thou ascend the bark with the princes at
thy head! May thy journey be auspicious: let no delay
occur !" Thereupon saying, — "So be it I", and having paid
homage unto those ascetics, Vi^wamitra set about crossing
that river with them, which had replenished the ocean.t And
it came to pass that while thus engaged, they heard a sound
augmented by the dashing of the waves.j: And having come
to the middle of the stream, the highly energetic R&mt
with his younger brother, became curious to ascertain the
cause of that sound. And reaching the middle of the river,
Rama asked that best of ascetics, — "What is this loud up-
roar that seemeth to come. riving the water?" Hearing
RSlghava's words dictated by curiosity, that righteous-souled
one spake, unfolding the true cause of the noise,— "0
RSma, there is in the Kaili9a mountain an exceedingly
beautiful pool, created mentally by BrahmSL, O foremost of
men, — and hence this watery expanse goeth by the name of
Mdnasa Pool, And the stream that issues from that liquid
lapse, flows thiough Ayodhya : the sacred Sarayu issues
from that pool of Brahm§. And as the Sarayu meets the
Jahnavi, this tremendous uproar is heard, being produced by
the clashing of the waters. Do thou, O RSma, bow down

• Ganges. — T.

t The legend is that when the saint Agastya had sucked up the ocean, the
Ganges replenished it. — T.

X The text has Smrdva-Avi heard. Another reading is Tatai Susntrmitu
Sabiam — then they heard a sound, — which I adopt. — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 65

0 them with a concentrated mind." Thereupon, both of
se exceedingly righteous ones, bowed down unto those
;ams ; and betaking themselves to the right bank, began
proceed with fleet vigour. And beholding a dreadful

1 trackless forest, that son of the foremost of men,
hwSLku's descendant, asked that best of ascetics, saying, —
h I deep is this forest abounding in crickets ; and
id with terrible ferocious beasts,and various birds possess-
of shocking voices and screaming frightfully ; and graced
lionSi and tigers, and boars, and elephants ; and crowded
h Dhavas* and Acwas and Karnas^ and Kukubhas and
^wasX^xA Ttndukas^ and Pdtalas\\ and Badaris,^ Whence
his dreadful forest ?" Him answered thus the mighty
etic Vi9w2Lmitra endowed with high energy, — "Do thou
en, O KSLkutshtha, as to whom belongeth this dreadful
est J Here were formerly, O foremost of men, two
irishing provinces, named Malada, and Karusha, built by
estial architects. .In days of yore, O Rima, on the occa-
n of the destruction of Vritra, the thousand-eyed one
ne to have hunger, to be besmeared with excreta, and

slay a BrSLhmana. And when Indra had been thus
imeared, the deities, and the saints having asceticism for
alth, washed him here, and cleansed his person from the
t. And the deities, having renounced here the filth that
1 clung unto the person of the mighty Indra, as well a9

hunger, attained exceeding delight. And thereat Indra
romi'ng purified, attained his forn)er brightness, and became
iroid of hunger. And mightily pleased with this region, he
nferred on it an excellent boon, saying, — "Since these two

♦ Crislea Tomeniosa. — T.
t Cassia fist ilia. — T,
X Mgle marmalos. — T,
% Diospyros glutinosa. — 7*.
jt Bignonia suavi-olens. — T.

66 KlAllYANA.

places have held excreta from my body, they going by the
names of Malada and Karusha, shall attain exceeding proi-
perity and fame among men/' And beholding the land thus
honored by the intelligent Sa9ra, the deities said unto the
subduer of Paka,— 'Weir' "Well!" And, O repressor of
foes^ these two places, Malada and Karusha, enjoyed pros*
perity for a long lime and were blessed with corn and wealth.
Then after a space of time, was born a Yakshini capable of
assuming forms at will, and endowed with the strength of a
thousand elephants. Her name, good betide thee ! was T&raki,
and she was the spouse of the intelligent Sunda — she whose soo
is the R&kshasa, MSLricha possessed of the prowess of Saf ra ;
having round arms, with a huge head, a capacious mouth and
a Cyclopean body. And that Rakshasa of dreadful form daily
frightens people. And, O descendant of Raghu, Tftrakft of
wicked deeds, daily commits havoc upon these countries,
Malada and Karusha . And now at the distance of over half
a Yojana, she stayeth, obstructing the way. And since this
forest belongeth unto TSLrakSL, thou shouldst repair thither
and^ resorting to the might of thy own arms, slay this one
of wicked deeds. And by my direction, do thou again rid
this region of its thorn ; for no one dareth to approach tucb
a place, infested, O R^ma^by the dreadful and unbearable
Yakshini. And now I have related unto thee all about this
fearful forest. And to this day that Yakshini hath not
desisted from committing ravages right and left."

SECTION XXV.

JlL EARING this excellent speech of that ascetic of im-
measurable energy, that foremost of men answered him ia
these happy words, — "O best of ascetics, I have heard that
the Yaksha race is endowed with but small prowess. How

BILAKXNDAM, 67

an then that one of the weaker sex possess the strength
f a thousand elephants ?'' Hearing this speech that was
ttered by RSghava of immeasurable energy, Vi9wamitra,
elighting with his amiable words that subduer of foes, R^ma,
nd Lakshmana, said, — ''Do thou listen as to the means
Thereby attaining terrible strength, that one belonging to
he weaker sex hath come to possess strength and prowess
y virtue of a boon. In former times there was a mighty
nd exceedingly powerful Yaksha, named Suketu. And he
ad no issue. And he was of pure practices, and used to
erform rigid austerities. And, O RSma, the Grand-sire,
rell pleased with that lord of Yakshas, conferred upon him
gem of a daughter, by name TarakS. And the Grand-sire
ndowed her with the strength of a thousand elephants ; yet
hat illustrious one did not bestow a son on that Yaksha. And
irhen she had grown, and attained youth and beauty, he
ave that famous damsel unto Jambha's son, Sunda, for wife.
Lnd after a length of time, that Yakshi gave birth to a son,
amed MSLricha, possessed of irrepressible energy — him
rho became a R^kshasa in consequence of a curse. And, O
lima, when Sunda had been destroyed, TSraka along wit|i
ler son, set her heart upon afflicting that excellent
aint Agastya. And enraged with Agastya, she rushed at
lim with a roar, intending to devour him. And on seeing
ler thus rushing, that worshipful saint, Agastya, said unto
vfaricha, "Do thou become a Rakshasa !", and, in exceeding
I'rath, he also cursed T&rak§. ''And, O mighty Yakshi,
ince in frightful guise with a frightful face thou hast desired

0 eat up a human being, do thou immediately leave this
thy original) shape, and become of a terrible form !'*
Thus cursed by Agastya, TarakS, overwhelmed with rage,
lys waste this fair region, where Agastya carrieth on his
usterities. Do thou, O descendant of Raghu, for the welfare

1 BrSLhmanas and kine, slay this exceedingly terrible
''akshi of wicked ways and vile prowess! Nor, O son of

68 RXmIYANA.

Raghu, doth any one in the three worlds, save, thee, dare to
slay this Yakshi joined with a curse. Nor shouldst thoU|0
best of men, shrink from slaying a woman \ for even this
should be accomplished by a prince in the interests of the
four orders. And whether an act be cruel or otberwiie.
slightly or highly sinful, it should for protecting the sob*
jects, be performed by a ruler. Of those engaged in the oner-
ous task of government, even this is the eternal mle of
conduct. Do thou, O Kukutstha, slay this impious one;
for she knovveth no righteousness ! We hear, O king,
that in days of yore, Sakra slew Virochana's daaghtcr,
Manthard, who had intented to distroy the earth. And
formerly, O Rama, Vishnu destroyed KSLvya's motheri the
devoted wife of Bhrigu, who had set her heart upon making
the world, devoid of Indra. By these as well as innumer-
able princes — foremost of men — have wicked women been
slain. Therefore, O king, renouncing antipathy, do thou, by
my command, slay this one!"

SECTION XXVI.

JlL EARING those bold words of the ascetic, the son of
that foremost of men,RSLghava firm in his vows, with clasped
hiands answered, — "In accordance with the desire of ny
sire, and in order to glorify it, I ought fearlessly to do even
as Ku9ika's son sayeth. And havingbeen desired to that end
while at AyodhySL by that high-souled one, my father Dafa-
ratha, in the midst of the spiritual guides, I ought not to pass
by thy words. Therefore, commanded by that upholder of
the Veda. I, agreeably to ndy father's mandate, will, withoni
doubt, bring about that welcome event^-the death of TarakL

BlLAKlNDAM. 69

And in the interests of Br^hmanas, kine, and celestials, I
am ready to act as desired by thee of immeasurable energy."
Having said this, that repressor of foes, with clenched fist,
twanged his bow-string, filling the ten cardinal points with
the sounds. And at those sounds, the dwellers in Tiraka's
forest were filled with perturbation, — and Taraka also
amazed at those sounds, became exceedingly wroth. And,
rendered almost insensible by anger, that RSlkshasi furiously
rushed in amain towards the spot whence had come the
report. And beholding that frightful one of hideous visage
and colossal proportions, transported with rage, Raghu's
descendant spake unto Lakshmana, — '^Behold, O Lakshmana,
the terrible and hideous body of yonder Yakshini ! The
sight of her striketh terror into the hearts of even the brave.
Mark I - This irrepressible one, possessing all the resources
of illusion, will I oppose, and deprive her of ears and nose.
But I dare not slay her, she being protected by virtue of her.
fcminineness. I intend only to oppose her course, and de-
prive her of her prowess." As RJma was speaking thus,
TlrakS , deprived of sense through ire, uttering roars, with
uplifted arms rushed against him. And thereat the Brahmar-
shi, Vi9wamitra, uttering a roar, upbraided her, and said, —
"swasitl* May victory attend the descendants of Raghu!"
And raising thick clouds of dust, TSrakSl instantly bewildered
both the descendants of Raghu. And then by help of illu-
sion, she began to pour upon them a mighty shower of crags.
And thereat Raghu's descendant was wroth. And resisting
that mighty shower of crags by vollies of shafts, RSghava
with arrows cut off her hands. And with the fore-parts of
her arms lopped off, as she was roaring before them,
Sumitra's son waxing worth deprived her of her ears and
nose. Therupon that one capable of assuming forms at
will, began to assume various shapes ; and to vanish from

* A particle of benediction, indeclinable. — T.

r-/ RlAflYAXA.

«ip^ht,beuildering her antagonists with her illusory displays.
And terribly ranging the field, the Yakshi showered crags
up'^n her antagonisis. And beholding them enveloped oa
all sides by that craggy down-pour, the auspicious son of
GSdhi spake these words, — " O Rama, renounce thy anti-
pathy. This one of wicked ways is exceedingly impious.
And this sacrifice-disturbing Yakshi will, by virtue ofber
power of illusion, come to increase more and more in energy.
Do thou, therefore, against the arrival of dusk, slay her !
The Rakshasas are incapable of being controlled when even-
ing sets in. ' Thus addressed, Rama, displaying his skill
in aiming by sounds, enveloped with arrows that Yakshi
showering crags. Being thus hemmed in with a network cf
shafts, she possessed of the powers of illusion, rushed
against Kakutstha and Lakshmana, uttering terrible roars.
And as that Yakshi, in prowess like unto a thunder-bolt, was
rushing on, Rama pierced her chest with arrows, — and there-
at she dropped down and died. And upon seeing that
grim- visaged one slain, the lord of the celestials together with
the celestials themselves honoring Kakutstha, exclaimed
"Well !", "Well !' 'And exceedingly pleased, the thou-
sand-eyed Purandara, together with the delighted deities^said
unto Vi^wSmitra, — " O ascetic, O Ku^ika's son, good betide
thee ! all the Maruts with Indra at their head, have been
gratified with this act (of R§ma*s). Do thou therefore show
affection unto Rlghava ! Do thou, O BrSLhmana, con-
fer upon Raghu*s descendant the sons of prajSpati Kri-
^Jiywa, of true prowess, and charged with ascetic energy.
And ever following thee, he, O Brahmana, is fit to receive
them of thee. And this son of the king is to accomplish a
mighty task in the interest of the celestials.'' Saying this,
the deities, having paid homage unto Vi^w^mitra, joyfully
entered the celestial regions.

And now came evening on, when that best of ascetics,
grntilicd at the destruction of Tarakft, smelt Ramft*8 crown

BlLAKlNDAM. 71

and said these words^— "Here O R2Lma of gracious pre-
sence, shall we pass the night; and morrow morning wend unto
that hermitage of mine." Hearing VicwSimitra's words, Da9a-
ratha's son, glad at heart, happily passed that night in the
forest of TSlrakA. And being thus freed from all disturbances
from that day forth that forest appeared charming, even
like unto the forest of Chaitraratha. Having thus slain the
Yaksha's daughter, R&ma,eulogized by celestials and Siddhas
spent there that night with the saint, being awakened by the
latter at the break of day.

SECTION XXVII.

H AVING passed that night, the illustrious VigwSmitra,
smiling complacently sweetly spake unto RSghava, saying, —
Pleased am I with thee. Good betide thee, O highly famous
prince ! With supreme pleasure, do I confer upon thee
all the weapons;by means of which subduing such antagonists
as celestials and Asuras backed on earth by Gandharbas
and Uragas, thou wilt in battle be crowned with victory.
And all those celestial weapons, good betide thee, I will
confer upon thee. And I will confer upon thee, O Raghava,
the celestial and mighty Daudachakra,'^ and Dharmachakra,
and also K&lachakra. And O foremost of men, I will confer
upon thee the fierce Vishnu Chakra, — and Indra Chakra,
and the Vajra, and Siva's Sulavata, and the weapon
Brahma^iras, and Aishika, O mighty-armed descendant
of Raghu ! And, O best of men, I will, O king's

* Chakra means discus. These enumerations specify different kinds of the
discus.— T.

7 J RAMI FAN A.

son, bestow upon thee the matchless Brahma weapon,
and, O KSikutstha, the two excellent maces, the flaming
Modaki and Cikhari. And, O Rilmai I will confer upon thee
Dharmap39a,^ and KSiIapl^a, and the excellent VStrunapSfa.
And, O descendant of Raghu, I will bestow upon thee the two
Ashanis, — Sushka and Ardra, and the Pin&ka weapon, and the
NarSiyana, and the Agneya weapon called Sikhara, and the
Vayavya, called Prathama, O sinless one I And, O RSglia-
va, I will confer upon thee the weapon called Haya^iras, and
the Krauncha weapon, and,0 K&kutstha, a couple of darts,
And I will confer upon the Kank§la, and the dreadful Ma-
shala, and Kaplla, and Kinkini — all those that are intended
for slaughtering Rikshasas. And, O mighty-armed one, 0
son of the best of men, I will confer upon thee the mighty
weapon Vidyadhara, and that excellent scimitar named
Nandana, and the favorite Gandharba w*eapon, Mohana,
and Praswipana, and Pasamana, and Saumya, O RSghava !
And O best of men, do thou accept Varshana, and
Soshana, and Sant3pana, and Vil^pana, and M&dana bard
to repress, beloved of Kandarpa, and that favorite
Gandharba weapon, MSnava, and the favorite Pichftsa
weapon, O highly famous prince. And do thou, O mighty*
armed Rama, speedily accept the T^masa, O best of
men, and the exceedingly powerful Saumana,and the irrepress-
ible Samvarta and Maushala, O son' of the king, and the
Satya weapon, and the supreme MSlyamaya, and the Saun.
Tejaprabha, capable of depriving foes of energy, and the
Soma, and the Sisira, and the T^shtra, and the terrible
D^runa belonging unto Bhdga, and Sileshu, and Madana-*
all assuming forms at will, and endowed with exceeding prow-
ess, and highly exalted/^ Then with his face turned towards
the east, that foremost of ascetics having purified himself,
gladly conferred the mantras upon R§ma. And the Vipri

• Pasha means noose, — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 71

.Iso bestowed upon Righava those weapons, of which even
he celestials are incapable of holding all. As that intelligent
Lscetic, Vi9wamitra, recited mantras^ all those invaluable
veapons appeared before that descendant of Raghu. And,
jvith clasped hands, they well-pleased, addressed Rama,
— "These, O highly generous one, are. thy servants, O
R.SLghava. And whatever thou wishest, good betide thee, shall
>y all means be accomplished by us/' Thus addressed by
;hose highly powerful weapons, K^kutstha Rama, with a
ielighted soul, accepting them, touched them with his hand,
md said, — "Do ye appear before me as I remember you !"
Then the exceedingly energetic R§ma, well pleased, paying
everence unto the mighty ascetic, Vi^wamitra, prepared
0 set out.

SECTION xxvm.

JlLavinG accepted those weapons with purity, KSikutstha
ehile proceeding, with a complacent countenance spake
hese words unto Vi9w2lmitra, — "O adorable one, I have
eceived these weapons, incapable of being repressed even
y the celestials themselves. Now, O best of ascetics, I
/ould acquire a knowledge of withdrawing thenri." Upon
wSkutstha's representing this, Vi9w5mitra of high austerities,
ndowed with patience, of excellent vows, and pure in
pirit,communicated unto him the mantras for restraining the
weapons. "Do thou,0 Rama, accept Satyavat, and Sataykirti,
nd Dhrishta, and Rabhasa, and Pratiharatara, and
^arSnmukha, and Avanmukha, and Lakshya, and Alakshya,
nd Drihanabha, and Sunabha, Da^^ksha, and Satavaktra,
nd Da^acirsha, and Satodara, and Padmanabha, and
lahSLn&bha, and Indunabha, and Swanabha, and Jyotisha,
nd Sakuna, and NairSshya, and Vimala, and Yaugandhara,

74 RAAflrANA.

and Vindra, and the two DaityapramathanaS| and Suchiv&hai
and MahSLvahu, and Nishkali| and Viruchai and ArchimUt,
and Dhritimali, and Vrittiman, and Ruchira, and Pitrya, and
Saumansa, and Vidhuta, and Makara, and Karavira, and Rati,
and Dhana, and Dhanya, O Raghava, and KSLmarupa, and
K^maruclii^and Moha, and Avarana^and Jrimbhaka and Sarp-
anatha, and Pantheina, and Varuna, — these sons of Kri^&swai
O Rama, cfTuIgeuti and assuming shapes at will. And, good
betide thee^ O descendant of Raghu, thou art worthy to
receive these weapons." Thereupon, K&kutstha with a heart
overflowing with delight, said, — '*So be it 1" And those
weapons were furnished with celestial and shining persons,
and endowed with visible shapes, and capable of conferriog
happiness. And some of them were like (live) coals ; and
some comparable unto smoke ; and some were like unto the
Sun or the Moon. And with folded hands, they spake unto
Rama in honied accents, — O chief of men, here we are!
Do thou command as to what we are to do on thy behalf."
Then the descendant of Raghu answered, saying,— "Repair
whithersoever ye will ! Recurring to my memory, do ye
in time of need, render me assistance 1" Thereupon paying
homage unto Rama, and having gone round him, they replied
unto Kakutstha, — "Be it so !", and returned whence they
had come. And having learnt all about those weapons,
RSghava, while proceeding spake sweetly unto that mighty
ascetic, Vi9wamitra, — **\Vhat is yonder wood hard by the bill,
appearing like clouds ? Great is my curiosity. It is pleasing
unto the sight, and abounds in beasts, and is exceedingly
romantic, and is adorned with various birds singing sweetly.
Now, O foremost of ascetics, we have come out of a wilder-
ness capable of making one's hair stand on end. And from
the pleasantness attaching to this place,! have come to a con-
clusion. Tell me, O reverend sir, whose hermitage is this?
where, O eminent ascetic, is that hermitage where dwell
those wicked-minded wretches of impious deeds, given to

BXLAKXNDAM, 75

daughtering Br&hmanas, who disturb thy sacrifice ? Where,
O adorable one, is that spot, repairing unto which, O
BrILhmana, I am to protect thy sacrificial rites, and to slay
the RSlkshasas ? All this^ O foremost of ascetics, I desire to
hear, O lord."

SECTION XX IX.

H EARING those words of RSma of measureless prowess,
vho had asked the question, the highly energetic Vi^wamitra
mswered, saying, — '*Here, O mighty-armed Rama, Vishnu
>f mighty asceticism worshipped of all the deities, for years
ipon years, and hundreds of Yugas, dwelt for carrying on
liis austerities and Yoga, This, O Rama, was formerly the
bcrmitage of the high-souled Vamana. And this is famed as
5iddhSL9rama, in consequence of that one of potent asceticism
baving attained fruition there. And it came to pass that at
:his time Virochana's son, king Vali, having vanquished
:he celestials with Indra and the Maruts, established that
]ominion of his, famous in the three worlds. And that
mighty chief of the Asuras celebrated a sacrifice. And as
^ali was performing that sacrifice, the deities with Agni at
:heir head, coming unto Vishnu himself at this asylum,
iddressed him, saying. — *'Virochana's son, Vali, O Vishnu, is
:elebrating a sacrifice. Do thou, before the ceremoney is
inished, accomplish thy own end. He duly conferreth*upon
5uch as repair unto him from various quarters all those things
that they ask for. And do thou thyself, O Vishuu, aided by
:hy power of illusion, assuming a Dwarf-form, accomplish the
velfare (of the celestials.)" In the meantime, O RSma, the
aronderful Ka9yapa resembling fire in splendour, and flaming
in energy, having in company with, and with the assistance
)f, the divine Aditi, O R§ma, acccomplished his vow, lasting

76 RlMlYANA.

for hundred years, began to hymn the destroyer of Madha
ready to confer boons. "By means of warm austerities, do I
behold thee composed of penances, a mass of mortificationii
and endowed with a form and a soul of austerities. And
in thy person, O lord^ do I behold this entire univene.
And in Thee without beginning, and incapable of being
pointed out, do I take refuge !" Thereupon exceedingly
pleased, Hari spake unto Ka^yapa, with his sins purged off
savinsj, — **Do thou mention the boon ! Good betide thee.
Methinks thou deservest a boon/' Hearing these words of
his, Marichi's son, Ka9yapa, said, — "Aditi, the gods and
I myself, crave of thee this, ^and, O bestower of bpons, it
behoveth thee well pleased to confer on us this boon, O fhos
of excellent vows ! Do thou, O sinless one, become bora
as my son in Aditi, O adorable deity I Do thou becpa^o tiM
younger brother of Sakra, O destroyer of Asuras. It beho^jAl
thee to help the celestials afflicted with grief. Andttit
place through thy grace will attain the name of Siddhft9FUM.
The work, O lord of the celestials, bath been accomplished.
Do thou now, O thou of the six attributes, ascend from
hence !'' And accordingly Vishnu of mighty energy took
his birth in Aditi. And assuming the form of a dwarf, he
presented himself before Virochana's son. And then asking
for as much earth as could be covered by three footstepSp
that one ever engaged in the welfare of all creatures, with
the object of compassing the good of all, stood occupying
the worlds. And having by his power restrained Vali,
that one of exceeding energy, again conferred the three
worlds upon the mighty Indra, — and made them subject to
his control. Formerly he used to dwell in this asylum capa-
ble of removing fatigue. And through reverence for the
Dwarf, I reside here. And this hermitage is infested bj
RSikshasas disturbing rites. And, O most puissant of men,
here thou shouldst slay those ones of wicked ways. To-day,
O Rftma, will I repair unto this supremely excellent

BlLAKlNDAM, ^-^

SiddhS^rama. And this asylum, child, is as much thine as
mine." Saying this, taking Rama and Lakshmana, the mighty
ascetic, experiencing exceeding delight, entered that asylum,
and appeared graceful, like the Moon emerged from mist in
conjunction with the Punarvasu stars. And beholding
Vi^wamitra, the ascetics inhabiting Siddha^rama, suddenly
rising in joy, worshipped that intelligent one, — and extended
unto the princes the rites of hospitality. And then having
reposed for while, those unreproved princes, the descend-
ants of Raghu, with clasped hands, addressed that foremost of
ascetics, — "Be thou even to-day initiated unto the ceremony.
Good betide thee, O best of ascetics ! Let this Siddha^rama
verily attain fruition, — and let thy words be verified!"
Thus addressed, that mighty saint of exceeding energy,
with his mind subdued, and senses under restraint, caused
himself to be initiated into the ceremony. And like unto
the KumSras^* Rima and Lakshamana, having passed the
night pleasantly, rose in the morning ; and having finished
their morning worship, and with purity and self-restraint
recited the prime mantras^ paid their obeisance unto
the sacrificial fire and the sacrificer, Vi^wamitra, who was
seated.

SECTION XXX.

X HEN those princes, repressors of foes, cognizant of place,
and time, and words, thus spake unto Ku^ika's son agree-
ably to time and place, saying, — '*0 adorable one do thou
tell us as to the time when we should oppose those rangers
of the night f Let not that hour pass away i/* Upon the two

Kclkutsthas' saying this, and finding them prompt for the en-

■^ — ^

♦ Skanda and Visakha.— T.

78 J^iAliyANA.

counter, tliosc ascetics welUpIeased, fell to extolling the soof
of the king. 'Tor six nights from to-day, ye should protect us.
This ascetic hath been initiated into the sacrifice, and must
therefore, observe taciturnity." Hearing these words of
theirs, those illustrious princes, renouncingf sleep, beg^n to
guard the hermitage six days and nights ; and those heroic and
miglity archers with their armours on protected that best of
ascetics and subduer of enemies. And when time had thus
gone by and the sixth day had arrived, R§ma said unto
Sumitra's son, — '*Being well equipped, be thou vigilant!"
When Rama, manifesting emotion, and being eager for
encounter, had said this, the priests and spiritual guides lit
up the altar. And along with ViywSmitra and the family
priests, they lit up the altar furnished with Ku^a, and Kft9a,
and ladles, and faggots, and flowers. And as reciting mantras^
they were about to duly engage in that sacrifice, there arose
a mighty and dreadful uproar in the sky. And as in the rains,
masses of clouds appear enveloping the firmament,* the
Rakshasas, displaying illusions in that wise, began to rush
onward. And Maricha and Suvahu together with their follow-
ers coming in dreadful forms, began to shower down blood
upon the altar. And on seeing the altar deluged with gore,
Rama suddenly rushed forward, and beheld' them in the sky.
And suddenly seeing them rushing in amain, the lotus-eyed
Rama fixing his gaze at Lakshmana, said, — ''Behold, O
Lakshmana, by means of a Mdnava weapon, I shall, without
doubt, drive away the wicked, flesh-eating RSlkshasas, even
as the wind driveth away clouds before it. Surely I cannot
bring myself to slay such as these." Saying this, that descen-
dant of Raghu, Rama, in vehemence fixing on his bow an
exceedingly mighty and gloriously-dazzling Manava weapon,

* The text reads, gamanam A?arv>'a^-obstnicting passa|fe. Evidently the
reading is vicious — it should run gaganam afar^^a^-enveloping the finm-
ment. — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 79

discharged it in great wrath at MaricluVs chest. And
wounded by that foremost of Manava weapons, Maricha carried
off a sheer hundred Yojanas, dropped in the midst of the
ocean. And finding MSLricha senseless, and whirling, and
afHictcU by the might of the weapon, and overcome, Rama
addressed Lakshmana, saying, — '^Behold, O Lakshmana, this
MSlnava weapon first used by Manu, depriving; him of his
senses, hath carried him off, — and yet hath not taken his
life ! But thSse shameless, wicked, and blood-drinking
RakshasaSi addicted to wrong-doing, these disturbers of
sacrificeSi will I slaughter.'' Having said this, anon showing
unto Lak&hmana his lightness of hand, Raghu's descendant
took out a mighty Agneya weapon, and discharged it at the
breast of SuvSlhu. Thereat being pierced with that shaft,
he fell down upon the ground. Then taking a Vayavaya
weapon, the illustrious and exceedingly generous RSghava,
bringing delight unto those ascetics, slew the rest. And
having destroyed all those Rakshasas disturbing sacrifices,
Raghu's descendant was honored by the saints, even as Indra
in days of yore,after having vanquished the Asuras. And when
the sacrifice had been completed, the mighty ascetic Vi9wa-
mitra, beholding all sides cleared of Rakshasas, spake unto
K§kutstha,saying, — "O mighty-armed one, I have obtained my
desire ; and thou hast executed thy preceptor's mandate.
And, O illustrious hero, thou hast truly made this a Siddha-
^rama.*' Having thus extolled Rama, he took RSma and
Lakshmana, to perform his evening devotions.

SECTION XXXI.

Those heroes. Ra.na aud Lakshmana. their interest
secured, with glad hearts passed that night there. And when
the night had passed away and the morning come, they
together appeared before the saint, Vi^wamitra, and the rest.

8o RlAllYANA.

And having saluted that foremost of ascetics resembling flaoh
ing fire, they of honied speech spake unto bim words exceed-
ingly lofty. — "These servants of thine, O best of ascetics, haTe
cpme before thee. Do thou command, O chief of anchorets,
^'hat command of thine are we to execute ?" Thus addressed
by them, the Maharshis with Vi9wSLmitra at their head spake
unto R§ma, saying, — *'A highly meritorious sacrifice, O fore-
most of men, is to be celebrated by Mithil&*s lord, Janaka.
Thither shall we repair. And thou, O great among men,
must accompany us, and there behold a wonderful jewel
of a bow. And formerly this bow of immeasurable energy,
and dreadful, and exceedingly effulgent at the sacrifice^ had
been conferred in court by the celestials (on king Devarita).
And neither gods nor Gandharbas, neither Asuras nor
RSikshasas nor men, can fix the string upon it. And
desirous of being acquainted with the prowess of this
bow, many kings and princes came ; but they in spite of
their mighty strength^ failed in stringing it. There, 0
KSLkutstha, thou wilt behold that bow belonging to the
high-souled king of MithilSL, — as well as his exceedingly
wonderful sacrifice. That rare bow, O foremost of men,
furnished with an excellent device for griping it, had been so-
licited by Mithiia's lord as the fruit of his sacrifice ; and the
celestials conferred it upon him. And now, O descendant
of Raghu, in the residence of king, the bow is worship-
ped like a deity with aguru^ dhupa^ and various other in-
censes.'* This having been said, that foremost of ascetics,
in company with K&kutstha and the saints, departed. And
on the eve of setting out, he addressed the sylvan deities,
saying, — "Luck ! I will, with my desire obtained, go
from forth this SiddhSi^rama unto the llimavat mountain on
the north of the J^hnavi." Having said this, that tiger-like
ascetic, Ku^ika's son, along with Other anchorets having
asceticism for their wealth, set out in a northerly direction.
And as that best of ascetics proceeded, he was followed by

BlLAKlNDAM. 8i

BrSlhmanas upholding the Veda, carrying the sacrificial neces-
saries on an hundred cars. And birds and beasts dwelling in
SiddhSL9rania followed the high-souled Vi9\v§mitra having asce-
ticism for wealth. And then followed by the body of devotees
he dismissed the birds. And having proceded a longway, when
the sun was sloping down, the ascetics rested on the banks of
the Sona. And when the maker of day had set, having bathed
and o£Fered oblations unto the fire, those ascetics of immeasur-
able energy, placing Vi9wamitra in their front, sat them down.
And Rama also together with Sumitra's son, having paid
homage unto those ascetics, sat him down before the intelli-
gent Vi9wamitra. Then Rama of exceeding energy,
influenced by curiosity, asked that foremost of ascetics,
Vi9\vSLmitra, having asceticism for his wealthy saying, — "O
worshipful one, what country is this, graced with luxuriant
woods ? I am desirous of hearing this. Good betide thee,
it behoveth thee to tell me this truly.*' Thus addressed by
Rama, that one of high austerities and excellent vows began
in the midst of the saints to describe the oppulence of that
region.

SECTION XXXII

:00:

'NCE upon a time there was a mighty son of Brahmi,
of high austerities, named Ku9a. And he was cognizant
of duty, and ever engaged in observing vows and honoring
good men. And that high-souled one begat on Vaidarbhi,
sprung from a respectable line, and endowed with all noble
qualities, four sons like unto himself, and possessed of
extraordinary prowess — Ku9aniva, and Ku9anabha, and
Asurtarajas, and Vasu, resplendent and breathing exhaust-
less spirits. And with the deisre of enhancing Kshetrya
merit, Ku9a said unto his truthful and virtuous sons, — *Ye
sons ! do ye engage in the task of governing, — and thereby
acquire 4mmense merit.' Hearing Ku9a's words, those four

82 RtMlYANA.

foremost of men and best of sons addressed themselves to
founding seats for their government. And the highly
energetic Ku9&mva founded the city of Kau^&mvi ; and the
righteous Ku^anabha, the metropolis of Mahodaya; and
the magnanimous Asurtarajas, DharmSLranya ; and king
Vasu, Girivraja, best of capitals. This city with these five
mighty mountains shining around (otherwif^e) called Vasumati
belongs to the high-souled Vasu. And the river known by
the name of Sumagadhi flows through the Magadhas. And
in the midst of the five foremost of hills, it looks like a
garland. And this MSgadhi, O RSLma^ belongs unto the high*
souled Vasu, taking, O RSma, an easterly course, and flowing
through fertile fields furnished with corn. And, O descend-
ant of Raghu, the virtuous-souled R9jarshi Ku9anSLbha begat
an hundred peerless daughters on GhritSchi. And it came to
pass that they endowed with youth, beautiful, and like unto
the lightning in the rainy season, decked in excellent orna-
ments, coming to their garden, were merrily singing and
dancing and playing on musical instruments, O R2Lghava ! And
as they perfect in every limb, and unparalleled on earth in
beauty, and endowed with all qualities, and furnished with youth
and grace, were in the garden, like unto stars embosomed
among clouds, that life of all, the air, beheld them and said,-*
'1 seek for ye : do ye become my wives. Do ye renounce this
human guise, and attain long lives. Youth verily is unstable,
specially with the human beings : do ye attaining unfadtog
youth, become immortal :' Hearing this speech of the Air of
ever fresh energy, the damsels ridiculing it, said,— 'Thoa
rangest the hearts of all creatures, O foremost of celestials,
and we also know thy influence. Wherefore, then, dost
thou dishonor us ? O foremost of celestials, we are the
daughters of Ku^anlbha, O divine one. And god as thoo
art, we can dislodge thee from thy place ; but ive refrain
from doing so, lest thereby we lose our ascetic merit. Maji
O foolish one, that time never come, when disregarding

BlLAKlNDAM. 83

our truthful sire, we following our inclination, shall resort
to self choice. Our father verily is our lord and prime god. Of
hinn even shall we become the wives unto whom our father
giveth us away.' At these words of theirs, that lord and adora-
ble one, the Air, exceedingly enraged, then entered into their
bodies, and broke all their limbs. Their bodies being thus
broken by Air, those damsels, exceedingly agitated and over-
whelmed with shame, with tears in their eyes entered the
residence of the king. And finding his supremely beautiful
and favorite daughters with their limbs broken, and woe-
begone, the king bewildered, spake, — Ye daughters, what
is this ? Who is it that thus disregards virtue ? By
whom have ye all come by this crooked form ? And why
demonstrating your grief, do ye not answer me ?' Having
said this, the king heaved a deep sigh and became eager
to hear all about it."

SECTION xxxlil.

XIeaRING those words of the intelligent Ku^anSbha,
his hundred daughters touching his feet with their heads,said,
— -'O king, that life of all, the Air, was desirous of overcoming
us, having recourse to an improper way ; nor did he regard
morality. — We have a father, good betide thee ; and have no
will of our own. Do thou ask our father about it, if he con-
sent conferring us on thee. — But that wicked wight did not
listen to our words ; and as we were saying this, were we
roughfy handled by him.' Hearing those words of theirs, the
highly pious and puissant king addressed his hundred beauti-
ful daughters, saying, — *Ye have displayed a signal example
of that forgiveness which is fit to be followed by the forbear-
ing; and that ye have unanimously regarded the honor of
my house, also conduces to your praise. Alike to men and

84 RAatlrANA.

women, forbearance is an ornament. And difficult it is for
one to exercise that forbearance, specially in respect of the
celestials. And may every descendant of mine possess for-
bearance like unto yours \ Forbearance is charity ; forbearance
is truth ; forbearance, O daughters, is sacrifice ; forbearance
is fame ; forbearance is virtue, — yea,the universe is establish-
ed in forbearance. Then dismissing his daughters, the king
endowed with the prowess of celestials,and versed in counsel,
began to consult with his counsellors about the bestowal
of his daughters in respect of time and place and person
and equality of lineage. And it came to pass that at this
time an ascetic named Chuli, highly effulgent, with his vital
fluid under control, and of pure practices, was performing
Brahmya austerities. And as the saint was engaged in
austerities, good betide thee, UrmilSL's daughter named
Somada — a Gandharbi — ministered unto him. And in all
humility that virtuous one for a definite period was engaged
in ministering unto him. And thereat, her spiritual guide
was gratified with her. And, O descendant of Raghu, once
he said unto her, — *I am gratified good betide thee ! What
good shall I render thee? Thereupon, concluding that the
ascetic was gratified, the Gandharbi, cognizant of words,
exceedingly delighted, sweetly addressed that one versed
in speech, — *Thou art furnished with the Brahmya fire^art like
Brahm^ himself, and of mighty austerities. I desire of thee
a righteous son endowed with the BrSihmya ascetic virtues^
1 am without a husband, good betide thee, and I am no one's
wife. Upon me who am thy servant, thou shouldst confer
such a son by help of Brahmya means.' Thereupon, well
pleased with her, the Brahmarshi Chulina conferred upon her
an excellent Brahmya mind-begotten son, named Brahma-
datta. And that king, Brahmadatta, founded the flourishing
city of Kampilya,even as the sovereign of the celestials found-
ed the celestial regions. And, O Kakutstha, the righteous
king Kucanabha finally decided on conferring his hundred

BALAKXNDAM. 85

jgiiiers upon Brahmadatta. And inviting Brahmadatta
X highly energetic lord of earth, with a glad heart
iferred his hundred daughters upon him. And, O des-
idant of Raghu, king Brahmadatta resembling the lord
nself of the celestials, by turns received their hands in
irriage. And as soon as he touched them, the hundred
jghters were cured of their crookedness, and became free
•m anguish, and were endowed with pre-eminent beauty,
id upon beholding them delivered from (the tyranny of) the
r, the monarch Ku9anabha became exceedingly delighted,
d rejoiced again and again. And he dismissed the newly
irried lord of earth, king Brahmadatta, in company with his
nsorts and the priests. And the Gandharbf SomadS
oiced exceedingly at the completion of the nuptials of her
fi ; and embracing her daughters-in-law again and again,
d extolling her son, she expressed the fulness of her joy."

SECTIOM XXXIV.

6^ A

^txND, O Raghava, when Brahmadatta was married, that
nless one, (Ku9an2ibha), with the intention of obtaining
lie oflfspritig, took in hand a son-conferring sacrifice. And
len the sacrifice had commenced, that son of Brahma, the
cecdingly noble Ku^a, spake unto king Ku9anabha, saying,
'O son, there will be born unto thee a virtuous son like
to thyself : thou wilt obtain even Gadhi, — and through
n enduring fame in this world.* Having said this unto
\g Ku9anabha, Ku9a, O Rama, entering the welkin,
jnt to the eternal regions of Brahm§. Then after some-
le, an eminently virtuous son, named GSdhi, wa.*? born
to the intelligent Ku9anabha. O Kakutstha, even that
rhly pious Gadhi is my sire. And, O descendant of Raghu
railed Kau9ika, am sprung from Ku9a's line. And, O

86 RImAyANA.

Righava, I had a sister of noble vows born before me. And
her name was Satyavati ; and she was bestowed upon
Richika. And following her lord^ she ascended heaven in
her own proper person. And my highly generous sister,
Kaufiki, hath finally assumed the form of a mighty river.
And in order to compass the welfare of all creatures, mf
sister is now a noble and charming river of sacred waters,
issuing from the Himavat mountains. And thenceforth, out
of affection for my sister, Kou^iki, I ever dwell happily in the
vicinity of the Himavat, O R&ghava. And that virtuous
Kau^iki, Satyavati, as well established in religion as
truth, and chaste, and eminently pious, is now the foremost
of streams. And, O Rama it is only for the purpose of com-
pleting my sacrifice that leaving her behind, I have come
to Siddha9rama. And now by virtue of thy energy, have
I attained frution. Now, O R&ma, I have narrated unto
thee the circumstances connected with the history of my
line and myself, as also of this place, O mighty-armed
one, — which thou hadst asked me to relate. But, O K&kut-
stha, while I was speaking, half the night hath been spent.
Do thou now sleep, good betide thee, — so that thou mayst not
feci any difficulty while on the journey. The trees stand
motionless, and the beasts and birds are silent, and, O descend*
ant of Raghu, all sideshave become enveloped in nocturnal
gloom. The midnight is gradually passing away ; and
the firmament thick-studded with stars resembling eyes, b
illumined up with their light. And that dispeller of dark-
ness, the mild-beaming moon, is rising, gladdening the
hearts of all creatures with his splendour. And night-rang*
in^ beings — terrible carnivorous Yakshas and Rftkshasas^
walk hither and thither." Having said this, the mighty
ascetic of exceeding energy paused. And those ascetics
honoring him, said, — '* Excellent ! Excellent ! This
line belonging to the Ku^ikas is ever exalted and devoted to
virtue. And those foremost of men sprung in the Kofa

BALAKANDAM. 87

race are high-souled and like unto Brahmarshis — and
specially thou, O illustrious VicvvSmitra, art so. And that
best of streams, Kau9iki, hath added lustre unto thy line."
and the auspicious son of Ku9ika having been extolled by
those delighted ascetics — the foremost of their order — slept,
like unto the sun, when setting. And Rama too along with
Sumitr§,'s son having in admiration praised that best of
ascetics, enjoyed the luxury of slumber.

SECTION XXXV.

JlLaving in company with the ascetics passed the re-
mainder of the night on the banks of the Sona, Vi9wamitra,
when the day broke, spake, — *'0 RSma, the night hath pass-
ed away, and the morn hath come. The hour for performing
the prior devotions hath arrived. Arise ! arise ! good betide
thee ! Do thou prepare for going.*' Hearing these words
of his, Rama, having finished his morning devotions and
rites, and ready for departure said, — "This is the Sona, of ex-
cellent waters, fathomless, and studded with islets. O Brah-
mana, by which way shall we cross ?" Thus addressed by
R§ma, Vi9wamitra replied, — "Even this path hath been fixed
upon by me, — that, namely, which the Maharsais go."
And having proceeded far, when the day had been half spent
they beheld that foremost of streams, the Jahnavi, worshipped
by ascetics. And having beheld that river furnished with
sacred waters, and frequented by swans and cranes, the
ascetics who accompanied Raghava were exceedingly de-
lighted. And they took up their quarters on the banks of
the river. And then having bathed and duly offered obla-
tions of water unto the gods and the manes of their ances-
tors, and performed Agnihotra* sacrifices, and partaken of

♦ Sacrifice with burnt offering — T.

88 RlMlYANA.

clarified butter like unto nectar, those high-souled and aus-
picious ones, with glad hearts, sat down, surrounding
Vi^wamitra. And the descendants of Raghu also sat down,
occupying prominent places as befitted their rank. Then
Rama with a heart surcharged with cheerfulness spake unto
Vi9wamitra, saying, — '*0 adorable one, I desire to hear how
the Ganga flowing in three directions and embracing the
three worlds, falls into the lord of streams and rivers."
Influenced by Rama's speech, the mighty ascetic ViywSmitra
entered upon the history of the GangS's origin and progress,
*• O Rama, that great mine of ore, Himavat is the foremost
of mountains. Unto him were born two daughters, unpar-
alleled on earth in loveliness. And, O R&ma, their mother
of dainty waist, the amiable daughter of Meru, named MenS,
was the beloved wife of Himavat — she of whom was born
Ganga the elder daughter of Himavat ; and, O R^ghava, a
second daughter was also born unto him, named UmA. And
it came to pass that once upon a time, the deities, with the
view of accomplishing some work appertaining to them as
divine beings, in a body besought that foremost of mountains
for that river flowing in three directions, GangSl. Thereupon^
desirous of the welfare of the three worlds, Himavat in
obedience to duty, conferred upon them his daughter
flowing everywhere at will, and sanctifying all creatures.
Thereat in the interests of the three worlds, accepting her,
those having the welfare of the three worlds at heart, went
away with Ganga, considering themselves as having attained
their desire. The other daughter of the mountain, O descend-
ant of Raghu, adopting a stern vow, began to carry on austeri-
ties, having asceticism for her wealth. And that best of
mountains bestowed upon Rudra of unequalled form his
daughter UmS, furnished with fiery asceticism, and worship-
ped of the worlds. And these, O Raghava, are the daugh-
ters of that king of mountains, worshipped of all, vis.^ GangS,
the forcmobt of streams, and the divine Uma. Now, O best

BALAKXNDAM. f9

of those endowed \Yith motion, have I related unto thee how
that sin-destroying one flowing with her waters in three
diverse directions, first, O child, went to the firmament and
then ascended the celestial regions."

SECTION XXXV!,

mitm

W HEN the ascetic had spoken thus, both the heroes,
RSma and Laksbmana, saluting that first of anchorets, said,—
*'0 Br^hmana, thou hast delivered this noble narration
fraught with morality. Now it behoves thee to speak about
the elder daughter of the mountain-king. Thou art exten-
sively conversant \vith everything relative to men or ^ods.
Why is it that that purifier of the worlds laveth three direc-
tions ? And why is that foremost of streams, Ganga, famous
as wending in three ways ? And, O thou cognizant of mora-
lity, what are her performances in the three worlds ?'* There-
at Vi^wamitra having asceticism for his wealth, began to
relate unto Kakutstha that history in detail in the midst of
the ascetics. ''In days of yore, O Rama, the blue-throated
one of mighty asceticism, having entered into matrimony,
commenced upon knowing the goddess. And as that in-
telligent blue-throated god, Mahadeva, was thus engaged in
sport, a devine hundred years passed away; and yet, O Rama,
chastiser of foes, no son was born of her. Thereat all the
gods with the Grand sire at their head became exceedingly
anxious. "Who will be able to bear the offspring of this
union ?" And thereupon the celestials repairing unto MahS-
deva, thus addressed him, saluting low, — *0 god of gods,
O mighty deity, ever engaged in the welfare of all, it be-
hoveth thee to be propitious at the humble salutations of
the celestials. The worlds, O foremost of celestials, are in-

90 RlMlYANA.

capable of bearing thy energy. Therefore, for the welfare
of the three worlds, do thou, being furnished with Brahml
asceticism, in company with the goddess practise austerities,
and rein in thy energy by thy native indomitableness. Do
thou preserve these worlds ; for it becometk thee not to des-
troy all.' Hearing the words of the deities, the great god of
the worlds said unto them, — 'So be it !' And addressing them
again he said, — Te gods, by my own energy I will assisted
by Uma bear my virile vigour,— therefore let the creation
find rest I But tell me, ye foremost of celestials, who will
sustain my potent virility rushing out from its receptacle t'
Being thus addressed, the gods answered him having the
bull for his mark, — The earth will to-day bear thy vital flow.'
Thus assured, the mighty lord of the celestials let go his
vital fluid ; and thereat the earth containing mountains and
forests was overspread with the energy. Then the gods spake
unto the Fire, saying, — 'Do thou in company with the Wind
enter into this fierce and mighty energy!' And when the Wind
had entered into it, it was developed into a white hill, and a
forest of glossy reeds, resembling fire or the Sun. And here
sprang from Fire Kartikeya of mighty energy. And there-
upon the celestials and the saints, with gratified hearts, began
to pay enthusiastic adorations unto Um2L aud SivS. Then
the Mountain's daughter, O Rama, addressed the celestials,
cursing them with eyes reddened in wrath, — 'While in asso-
ciation with Mahadeva for obtaining sons, I was broken in
upon by ye, — for this, ye shall not be able yourselves to be-
get offspring on your wives. And from this day forth, your
wives shall remain without issue.' Having thus spoken unto
the celestials, she cursed the Earth also, saying, — 'O Earth,
thou shalt have various forms, and many shall lord it over
thee ! Nor, stained because of my ire, shalt thou experience
the pleasure that is felt on obtaining a son, O thou of wicked
understanding, O thou that dost not wish me a son !' Wit-
nessing the gods thus distressed, the lord of the celestials

BlLAKlNDAM. 91

set out in the direction presided over by Varuna.'*^ And
having repaired to the north side of that mountain.f Mahe-
swara along with the goddess became engaged in austerities
on the peak Himavatprabhava. I have now related unto thee,
O RSma, the spread of the Mountain's daughter, (GangS),
Do thou how together with Lakshmana listen to the narration
of Bhdgirathi's potency."

SECTION XXXVII.

46 A

jtx.ND on that celestial being engaged in austerities,

the deities with Indra and Agni at their head, desirous of
gaining over the generalissimo, appeared before the Grand-
sire. And, O Rama, the gods with Agni at their head,
bowing unto him, addressed that possessor of the six attri-
butes, the Grand-sire, saying, — *0 God, that adorable one
who had formerly consigned unto us the generalissimo, re-
sorting to high asceticism, is practising austerities with Um5.
Do thou now, O thou conversant with resources, so order as
is advisable in the interests of the worlds ! Verily thou art
our prime way.' Hearing the words of the deities, the Grand-
sire of all creatures, consoling them with soft words, spoke
unto them, saying, — 'Even as the Mountain's daughter hath
said, sons will not be born unto ye of your own wives. Her
word is infallible of a certainty : there is no doubt about it.
This is the celestial GangS — she on whom HutasanaJ will
beget a son — the foe-subduing generalissimo of the celestials.
And the elder daughter of the Mountain will consider that
SOQ as brought forth by Umg ; and Uma also will, without

' ♦ The West.— T. "

t The Himalaya.— T.
% Fire— T.

gz RAMIYANA.

doubt, look upon him with regard.' Hearing these wordi»
of his, O descendant of Raghu, the gods bowing unto the
Grand-sire, paid him homage. Tlien, O Rama, repairing unto
the Kaila^a mountain teeming with metals, the deities com-
missioned Agni with the view of having a son(born unto him.)
*Do thou, O god, accomplish this work of the deities ! O thou
ot mighty energy, do thou discharge thy energy into that
daughter of the mountain, Ganga.* Thereupon giving his pro-
mise unto the gods, Pavaka"**" approached GangS, saying,—
*Do thou, O Goddess, bear an embryo ; for even this is the
desire of the deities.' Hearing this speech, she assumed a
divine appearance. And beholding her mightiness, Agni
was shrunk up on all sides. And then Pavaka from all sides
discharged his energy into her,— and thereat all her streams
became surcharged with it, O descendant of Raghu. And
uhto him staying at the head of all the deities, GangSL spoke,
saying, — *0 god, I am incapable of sustaining this new-
sprung energy of thine : I am burning with that fire, and
my consciousness fails me.' Thereupon that partaker of
the oblations offered unto the gods, said unto Gangd, — *Do
thou bring forth thy embryo on the side of this Himavat !'
Hearing Agni's words, Ganoa of mighty energy cast her
exceedingly efTulgcnt embryo on her streams, O sinless one.
And as it came out of her, it wore the splendour of molten
gold ; and in consc(i«icncc of its fiery virtue, objects near and
objects far were converted into gold and silver of un-
surpassed sheen, — while those that were more distant were
turned into copper and iron. And her excreta were turned
into lead. In this wise, various metals began to increase on
earth. And as soon as the embryo was brought forth, the
woods adjoining the mountain, being overspread with that
energy, were turned into gold. And from that day, O descend-
ant of Raghu, gold of effulgence like unto that of fire, became

♦ Fire— T.

BALAKlNDAM. 93

:nown as J&tarupai O foremost of men ! And when the son
iras born, the deities with Indra and the Maruts enjoined
ipon the KirtikS stars to suckle him. 'Surely he shall be son
into us air — concluding thus, they as soon as he was born,
>y turns began to dispense milk unto him. Then the celes-
ials called him Kartikeya, saying, — ^Without doubt, this
on shall become famed over the three worlds.* And hearing
hose words of theirs, the KirtikSs bathed the offspring that had
ssued from her womb, flaming like fire, and with auspiciouj
narks. And, O Kakutstha, since Kartikeya had issued from
Ganga's) womb, the celestials called that effulgent and
nighty-armed one, Skanda.* And then the teats of the
<ritikas were filled with milk ; and thereupon assuming
>ix mouths, he began to suck milk from the teats of those
»ix. And having drunk the milk, that lord although then
>ossessed of a tender frame, by virtue of his inborn prowess
n one day vanquished the Danava forces. And him
)OSsessed of mighty effulgence, the celestials assembled
vith Agni as their leaner sprinkled with water, by way of
nstalling him as their generalissimo. He who, O Kakutstha,
)n earth revereth Kartikeya, is blessed, and attaineth
ighteousness, and being long-lived and obtaining sons and
jrand-sons, repaireth to the regions of Skanda."

SECTI ON XXXVIII.

xIaving said those words unto Rama, composed of
melodious letters, Kau9ika again spoke unto Kakutstha, say-
ing,— "Formerly there was a king — lord of Ayodhya-named
Sagara. And it came to pass that righteous one, though eagerly
svishing for children, was without issue. And Vidharbha's

♦ Skanna means issuing from. — T,

94 RlMlFANA.

daughter^ O R3ma,named KefiniiWas the elder wife ofSagatx
And she was virtuous and truthful. And the second wife of
Sagara was called Sumati, who was the daughter of
Arishtanemi and the sister of Suparna * And with those
wives of hisjthat mighty king,coming to the Himavat|beganto
practise austerities on the mountain Bhriguprasravana. And
when a full hundred years had been numbered|the ascetic that
had been adored by means of these austerities, Brighu,best of
those endowed with truth,conferred a boon upon Sagara, say-
ing,— 'O sinless one, thou shalt obtain glorious offspring;
and, O foremost of men,thou shalt attain unparalleled renown
among men. And, O child, one of thy consorts shall brin;
forth a son who will perpetuate thy race ; and the other
give birth to sixty thousand sons.' As that best of men was
saying this^ those daughters of kings, exceedingly delighted,
propitiating him, addressed him with clasped hands,
— 'Who of us, O Brahmana, shall produce a single son^
and who many ? This, O Brahmana, we wish to hear. May
thy word prove true j' Hearing this, the highly pious
Bhrigu said these pregnant words, — *Do ye unfold your
minds. Who wishes for what boon, — between a single
pcrpetuator of the line, and innumerable sons, possessed
of mighty strength, and furnished with fame, and endowed
with high spirits T Hearing the ascetic's words, O des-
cendant of Raghu, Ke^ini in the presence of the monarch
chose, O Rama, a single son to perpetuate the line ; and
Suparna's sister, Sumati, sixty thousand sons, high spirited
and furnished with fame. And then, O son of Raghu,
having gone round the saint anJ bowed down the head, the
king went to his own capital, accompanied by his consorts.
And after a length of time, the elder, Ke9ini, bore a son
unto Sagara, known by the name of Asamanja. And Sumatii
O foremost of men, brought forth a gourd. And when it

• Ganira.— T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 95

lurst open, out came from it sixty thousand sons. And the
lurses fostered them by keeping them in jars filled with
riarified butter. And after a great length of time, they
ittained to youth. And after a long lapse of time, Sagara's
sixty thousand sons attained to youth and beauty. And O
foremost of men,* the eldest son of Sagara, taking those
:bildren| would, O descendant of Raghu, often cast them
nto the Sarayu, and in mirth behold them sinking in the
waters. Being thus evil-disposed, and injuring honest
Folks, and engaged in doing wrong unto the citizens, he was
banished by his father from the city. And Asamanja had a
ion possessed of prowess, named An9umSln. And he was
beloved of all men and fair-spoken towards every one.

And, O foremost of men, it came to pass that after a
ong time had gone by, that lord of earth Sagara made up
lis mind, saying, — *I will sacrifice.' . And having determined
jpon it, that one versed in the Vedas set about it^in company
with his priests.''

SECTION XXXIx.

HEN Vigw5mitra had ended, hearing his words, R§ma
exceedingly pleased, spoke unto that ascetic resembling
laming fire, saying, — "I am anxious to hear in detail, good
^etide thee, how, O BrShmana, my ancestor arranged for the
sacrifice.'* Hearing those words of his, Vi9w5mitra, smiling,
eagerly spoke unto KSkutstha, saying, — ''Do thou, O RSlma,
liearken unto the story of the high-souled Sagara's sacrifice.
Sankara's father-in-law is the far*famed Himavat. And
approaching each other, the Himavat and the Vindhya behold
jach other. And on the region lying between them took

The text ha.1 NarasresthaSf put for Asamanja. Evidently this is an error.
make it a vocatiYe. — T.

96 HlMlYANA.

place, O foremost of men, that sacrifice of Sagara's. And
that country, O best of men, is excellent as a sacrificial
ground. And, O K§lkutstha, equipped with a powerful bow,
that mighty car-warrior,living under Sagara's sway, Aufumat,

0 child, followed the horse, for the purpose of protecting it
And it came to pass that with the intention of disturbing the
sacrifice of that monarch, on a certain day VSisava, assuming
the form of a Rakshasi, stole away the sacrificial horse.*
And, O Kakutstha, on the horse of that high-souled one
being stolen, the priests said unto the king engaged in the
ceremony, — *0n this auspicious day, hath the sacrificial
horse been stolen by violence. Do thou, O KSLkutstha, slay 1
him that steals the horse, — and bring it back. Otherwise
the sacrifice will be defective, bringing us misfortune. There-
fore, do thou, O king, act so, that the sacrifice may not be
marred with defects.* Hearing the words of the priests, ihe
king addressed his sixty thousand sons in the midst of his
court, saying, — 'Being, as this great sacrifice is, presided
over by eminently pious Brahmanas sanctified by mantras,

1 do not, ye foremost of men, ye sons, see how R^kshasas
may find entrance into it. Therefore, repair ye, and seek
for the horse, yc sons. Good betide you ! Do ye search the
entire earth engarlanded with oceans ; and do ye search
Yoyana after Yoyana, ye sons. And do ye delve the earth
till ye light upon the horse, by my command following the
track of that stealer of the horse. I have been initiated into
this sacrifice with my grand-sons and priests.' And there-
at the mighty princes, enjoined by their father, breathing
high spirits, began to range the earth, O Rama. Then Ihey
each fell to delving the bowels of the earth for the space of
a Yoyana in length and breadth, with their hands resembling
thunder-bolts in feel, and with darts like unto thunder-bolts,
and with gigantic plouorhsliaros. And being thus rivcn^ the
earth, O descendant of Raghu, began to send forth loud cries.

• The Bengali edition rcad.s this sloka differently.— T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 97

O RSghava, O thou hard to repress, there arose an uproar
from serpents, and Asuras, and RSlkshasas, and other crea-
tures, that were being slaughtered. And, O descendant of
Raghu. they excavated the earth, O Rama, for sixty thousand
YoyanaSy — yea, as if they had intended to reach the lowest
depths underground. Thus, O foremost of kings, those sons
of the monarch dug all around Jamvudwipa, filled with
mountains. Thereat, the gods together with the Gandharbas,
and Asuras, and Pannagas, in trepidation appeared before the
Grand-sire. And propitiating that high-souled one, they
with melancholy countenances and in exceeding agitation,
spoke these words unto the Grand-sire, — 'O adorable one, the
entire earth is being excavated by the sons of Sagara ; and
many are the high souled ones as well as the aquatic animals
that are being slain in consequence. — ^This one is the disturber
of our sacrificei and by him hath the sacrificial horse been
stolen, — saying this, Sagara's sons are committing havoc upon
all creatures."

SECTION XL.

XlEARiNG the speech of the celestials, that possessor
of the six attributes, the Grand-sire, spoke unto them exceed-
ingly frightened and deprived of their senses on beholding
the prowess of Sagara's sons like unto the Destroyer
himself, — 'This entire Earth belongeth unto the intelligent
V&sudeva, she being his consort. And that adorable one is
indeed her lord. And assuming the form of Kapila^ he un-
ceasingly sustaineth the Earth. And the sons of king Sagara
will be consumed by the fire of his wrath. The pre-ordained
excavation of the Earth, as well as the destruction of
Sag^ra's sons, had been foreseen by the far-sighted.'
Hearing the words of the Grand-sire, those repressors of

^8 RlMlYAfTA.

their foes, the three and thirty^ celestials, being exceedingly
rejoiced, went back to their respective quarters. And as the
sons of Sagara were riving the Earth, there arose a migbtjr
noise, like unto the bursting of thunder. Then, having rivcfl
the entire Earth and ranged it all around, the sons of Sagin
together (returned to their father) and spake -unto him, saying
— *By us hath the Earth been extensively surveyed, and hare
powerful deities and DSLnavas, R&kshasas, Pi9&chaSy Uragai
and Pannagas been slain ; and yet do we find neither tbe
horse nor the stealer thereof. What are we to do now ? Good
betide thee, do thou consider it well.' Hearing those words
of his sons, that foremost of kings, getting into a wrath, said,
O descendant of Raghu, — 'Do ye yet again, good betide yCi
delve the earth, and having got at the stealer ot the boise^
cease.' Receiving this mandate of their sire, the sixty-
thousand sons of the high-souled Sagara rushed towards tba
depths of the earth. And as they were engaged in excavat-
ing, they beheld the elephant of the quarter resembling a
hill, named Virupaksha, holding the earth. And, O son of
Raghu, that mighty elephant, Virupaksha, held on his
head the entire earth with its mountains and forests.
And, O K^kutstha, when on sacred days the mighty elephant,
from fatigue, shaketh his head, then takes place the earth-
quake. Thereupon, O R^ma, going round that mighty
elephant, and honoring him duly, they went on piercing the
underearth. And having pierced the East, they pierced
the South, — and in the Southern quarter also they beheld a
mighty elephant — the high-souled MahSpadma, resembling
a huge hill, holding the earth on his head. And thereat they
marvelled greatly. And having gone round him, the sixty-
thousand sons of the high-souled Sagara began to penetrate
into the Western region. And in the Western quarter also
those highly powerful ones beheld the elephant of thai
quarter named Saumanasa, resembling a mighty mountaia.

* The eight Va9us, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityai and two Acmmj^T

BlLiXlNDAM. 9^

And having gone round bim, and asked him as to his welfare,
they delving on, arrived at the Northern region. And
on the North likewise, O foremost of the Raghus, they beheld
Bhadra, white as snow, holding this earth on his goodly
person. And having felt as well as gone round him, those
sixty thousand sons of Sagara went on penetrating the
depths of the earth. Then repairing to the famous North-
eastern region, Sagara's sons becoming enraged, began to
dig the earth. And there those high-souled, exceedingly
powerful and vehement ones beheld the eternal Vasudeva
in the guise of Kapila. And there also, experiencing
exceeding delight, O descendant of Raghu, they •found his
horse, browsing hard by. And knowing him to be the des-
troyer of the sacrifice, they bearing spades, and ploughs,
and innumerable trees and crags, with eyes reddened with
ire, furiously rushed against him, exclaiming, — 'Stay 1 Stay I
And thou it is that hast stolen our sacrificial horse. O thou
of wicked understanding, know that thou hast fallen into the
hands of the sons of Sagara.' Hearing this speech of
theirs, Kapila, O descendant of Raghu, overwhelmed with
rage uttered a tremendous roar. And then, O Kakutstha,
the sons of Sagara were reduced to ashes by the high-souled
and incomparable Kapila."

SECTION XLI.

"s.

IBEING the delay on the part of his sons^ King Sagara,
O son of Raghu, addressed his grandson, flaming in his
native energy, saying, — *Thou art heroic and accomplished
and like unto thy uncles. Do thou enquire into the circum-
stances that have befallen thy uncles, as also about the way
by which the horse hath escaped. And as there are stong
and mighty creatures inhabiting the Earth's interior^ with

lOo RlMlFANA.

the view of resisting them, do thou take thy bow along with
thy scimitar. And honoring those that deserve to be honored
and slaying such as disturb thee, do thou, having attained
thy end, come back, becoming the instrument for the com-
pletion of my sacrifice.* Thus duly enjoined by the
high-souled Sagara,An9umat endowed with fleet vigor,taking
his bow as well as his scimitar, set out. And commanded by the
monarch, O best of men, he found the underground way thai
had been carved out by those high-souled ones. And he
found an exceedingly powerful elephant belonging to the
cardinal point, worshipped by deities, and D&navaS| and
Rikshasas, and goblins, and birds, and Uragas. And having
gone round him, and asked him as to his welfare, he enquired
after his uncles and the stealer of the horse. Hearing this,
the mighty-minded elephant of that quarter answered,— 'O
son of Asamanja, having attained thy object, thou wilt
speedily return with the horse.' And hearing those words of
his, An9umat by turns duly asked the same question of all the
elephants belonging to the cardinal points. And being honored
by those guardians of the cardinal points, knowing words
as well as their application in regard to time, place, and
person, he was asked by them, saying, — *Do thou come
with the horse !' Hearing those words of theirs^ that one
of fleet vigor repaired unto the^ spot where the sons
of Sagara, his uncles, had been reduced to a heap of ashes.
And (arriving there), Asamanja's son, smitten with grief,
and being exceedingly afflicted at their destruction, bewailed
in heaviness of heart. And exercised by grief and sorrow,
that foremost of men espied there the sacrificial horse straying
near. And desirous of offering oblations of water unto those
princes, that highly powerful one in need of water,did not find
any watery expanse in the neighbourhood. And it came to
pass, O R^ma, that surveying \vide, he descried the maternal
uncle unto the princes, Suparna, the lord of birds, resembling
the Wind. And thereupon Vinatft's son possessed of

BALAKXNDAM. 101

mighty strength spoke unto him, saying, — *Do not lament,
O foremost of men. The destruction of these was for the
welfare of all. These highly powerful ones had been con-
sumed by the peerless Kapila,— therefore, thou ought not to
offer water unto them in consonance with social usuage.
GangSi, O foremost of men, is the elder daughter of
Himavat. In her (streams) do thou perform the watery rites
of thy uncles, O mighty-armed one : let that purifier of the
worlds lave these, reduced to a heap of ashes. And on these
ashes being watered by Gang!, dear unto all, the sixty
thousand sons of Sagara will repair unto the celestial regions.
Do thou, O highly pious one, go back, taking this horse, O
foremost of men ; and do thou complete the sacrifice of thy
grand-father, O hero.' Hearing Suparna's speech, the ex-
ceedingly powerful An^umat of mighty asceticism speedily
taking the horse, retraced his steps. Then coming to the
king who had been initiated into the ceremony, he, O
descendant of Raghu, faithfully communicated unto him
the words of Suparna, Hearing this sorrowful intelligence,
the king duly finished the sacrifice agreeably to the scriptures.
And having seen the completion of the sacrifice, that
lord of earth entered his capital ; but the king could not see
how to bring Gang^ on earth. And without being able to
ascertain it, the mighty monarch after a long course of
time, and having reigned for thirty thousand years, ascended
heaven."

SECTION XLii

:00:

y]\l HEN Sagara had bowed unto the influence of Time,
thcf subjects selected the righteous An9umat for their king.
And| O descendant of Raghu, An9umat proved a great ruler.
And his s6n| the celebrated Dilipa, was also a great king. And,
O Raghtt's son, consigning unto Dilipa his kingdom, An^umat

101 ItlMlYANA.

entered upon rigid austerities on the romantic summit of the
Himavat. And having for the space of thirty-two hundreds of
thousands years carried on austeries in the woods, that highly
famous one, crowned with the wealth of aceticism, attained
the celestial regions. And the exceedingly powerful Dilipa,
hearing of tlie destruction of his grand- fathers, was stricken
witii grief ; yet he could not ascertain his course about it.
And he constantly thoug^ht as to how Gang& could be
brought down, how to perform their watery rites, and how to
deliver them. And as that pious one furnished with self-
knowledge was always meditating upon this, an eminentlj
virluous son was born unto him named Bhagiratha. And per-
forming numerous sacrifices, the mighty king Dilipa reigned
for thirty thousand years. And without having arrived at any
definite decision in regard to their deliverance, the king, O
puissant one, being attacked with an ailment, breathed his
last. And having sprinkled his son Bhagiratha in the way
of Installing him in the kingdom, that prime of men, the
king, by virtue of his own acts, repaired to the re^fion of
Indra- And, O descendant of Raghu, that royal saint Bhagi*
ratha was possessed of righteousness. And being without
issue, and desiring to obtain it, the mighty monarch consign-
ed his kingdom and his subjects to the care of his counsellors,
and engaged in bringing down GangSi. And, O Raghuk
descendant, restraining his senses, and eating once a months
and surrounding himself with five fires, and with arms up-
raised, he for a long lapse of time performed austerities at
Gokarna. And as he was performing his terrible austeritieSi
a thousand years rolled away. And thereat that possessor of
the six attributes and lord of all creatures, Brahm&i was wel-
pleascd with that high-souled monarch. And presenting
himself together with the celestials, the Grand-sire thus spoke
unto the high-souled Bhagiratha engaged in austerities,«*'0
Bhagiratha, O mighty monarch, pleased am I with thcei O
lord of men, on account of thy ardent austerities ; do tkoa,

BILAKXNDAM, 103

O thou of excellent vows, ask for the boon thou wouldst
have.' Thereupon that great car-warrior, the highly power-
ful and mighty-armed Bhagiratha, with clasped hands, said
unto the Grand-sire of all creatures, — Mf, adorable one,
thou art pleased with me, if thou wouldst grant me the fruit
of my asceticism, may Sagara's sons receive water at my
hands ; and on the ashes of those high-souled ones being
laved by the waters of Gang5, may my greatgrand-fathers
without fail repair unto heaven t And, O divine one, I
beseech thee, may our line never languish for want of off-
spring. May, O God, this prime boon light upon Ikshwaku^s
race !' When the king had said this, the Grand-sire address-
ed him these sweet and auspicious words composed of
melting letters, — 'O mighty car-warrior Bhagiratha, high is
this thy aim. Be it so, good betide thee, thou enhancer of
the Ikshwaku line. This Haimavati Ganga, Himavat's elder
daughter, even her to hold, O king, do thou employ Hara ; for
Gang&*s fall, O king, Earth will not be able to sustain. And
to hold her, O king, find I none save the weilder of the
Trident." Having thus addressed the monarch, and greeted
GangS, the creator of the worlds repaired to heaven with the
celestials.

SECTION XLlll.

HEN that god of gods had gone away, Bhagiratha,

0 RSLma, pressing the earth with his thumb, spent a year in
adoring Siva. And when the year was complete, Uma*s lord,
Pa9upati, worshipped of all the worlds, spake unto the king,
saying, — ^'O foremost of men, I am well-pleased with thee :

1 will do what will be for thy welfare. 1 will hold the
Mountain's daughter on my head.' Then, O Rima, that one
bowed unto by all creatures, the elder daughter of Himavat,
assuming an exceedingly mighty shape, with irresistible

!04 HlMlYANA.

impetus precipitated herself from the welkin upon Siva's
gracious head. And that divine one^ GangS, exceedingly
difficult to sustain, thought, — *I will enter the nether regions^
carrying off Sankara by my streams.' Knowing her
proud intention, the adorable Hara \\ axed wroth ; and the
three-eyed deity set his heart upon enveloping her. And,
O R&ma, as that sacred one plunged upon Rudra's holy
head of tangled locks, resembling Himavat, she could by no
means reach the earth, despite all her endeavours ; nor did
she obtain egress from under the matted locks. And she
wandered there for many a year. And finding Ganff& in
this plight, Bhagiratha became again engaged in high
austerities. And thereupon Siva, O descendant of Raghu,
was exceedingly gratified ; and cast Gang& off in the direction
of the Vindu lake. And as she was let off, seven streams
branched out from her. And the three streams of the excel-
lent Gang^ of auspicious waters went in an easterly direct-
tion ; while the Suchakshu^ the SitS, and that mighty river
the Sindhu flowed on the auspicious west. And the seventh
followed Bhagiratha*s car. And that royal saint, the
exceedingly puissant Bhagiratha, mounted on a superb car,
went before ; and Ganga followed him. And she des-
cended from the welkin upon Sankara's head, thence
alighting upon the earth ; and there her waters flowed
with thundering sounds. And earth looked beautiful with
swarms of fallen and falling fishes, and tortoises, and por-
poises. And then celestials and saints and Gandharbas, and
Yakshas and Siddhas mounted on excellent elephants and
horses and cars resembling cities, looked on Gang& des-
cending upon the earth. And the celestials stationed on cars
were struck with surprise ; and all creatures marvelled at
the excellent descent of Gangi. And eager to witness
the spectacle, celestial hosts of immeasurable energy came
there. And in consequence of the celestials coming thither,
and the effulgence of their ornaments, the firmament Int

BILAKANDAAL X05

from clouds, shone as if with an hundred suns. And the
sky was graced with fast-fleetingr porposies and serpents
and fishes resembling playing lightning ; and the welkin
scattered with pale foam-flakes by thousands, appeared as if
it was scattered with autumnal clouds swarming with cranes.
And the river proceeded sometimes rapidly, and sometimes
awry, and sometimes in volumes, and sometimes sloping,
and sometimes ascending, and sometimes languidly ; and
sometimes water clashed with water 5 and sometimes as-
cending an upland, it descended into a dell. And the pellu-
cid and pure water first descending upon Sankara's head,
and thence on to the earth, appeared exceedingly beautiful.
And there the saints and the Gandharbas, as well as the
inhabitants' of the earth,* touched the sacred water
flowing from Bhaba's body. And those that had fallen
from the sky unto the earth in consequence of some curse or
other, having bathed there, and thereby having their sins
washed and removed by that sanctifying water, again as-
cended the sky and entered their respective regions. And
through the agency of that shining water, all beings, feeling
delight, rejoiced, and having bathed in Ganga, became
cleansed from sin. And stationed on an excellent car that
mighty king, the royal saint Bhagiratha, went first, and
Gang^ went at his back. And the gods, and the saints, and
the Daityas, and the Danavas, and the Rakshasas, and the
foremost of Gandharbas and Yakshas, and the Kinnaras,. and
the mighty Uragas, and the Serpents, and the Apsaras, O
RSlma and the acquatic animals in a body following Bhagi-
ratha's car, with glad hearts went in the wake of Ganga. And
withersoever king Bhagiratha went, the famous Ganga, fore-
most of streams, capable of destroying all sins, went. And
Gang& flooded the sacrificial ground of the high-souled Jahnu, of
wonderful deeds, as he was performing a sacrifice. Thereat,
O RSghava, reading her insolence, Jahnu, waxing wroth,
drank up all her wonderful waters. Thereupon, the deities,

ic6 tilMlYANA.

and the Gandharbas, and the saints, struck with amazementi
fell to worshipping that foremost of men^the high-souled Jabnu
and brought GangSL into the daughtership of that high souled
one. And that highly energetic lord, being propitiated, let
Gang^ off through his ears. Therefore it is that GangS goes
by the name of Jahnu*s daughter Jahnavi. Then Gang& again
began to follow Bhagiratha's car. And having reached the
ocean, that foremost of streams, with the object of accompli-
shing his work, entered into the subterranean regions. And
having carefully brought GangSl, that royal saint, Bhagiratha,
having his senses bewildered beheld his grand -fathers reduc-
ed to ashes. And the excellent waters of Gang& overflowed
that heap of ashes ; and thereupon^ O best of the Raghus,
they, their sins purged, attained heaven."

SECTION XLIV.

XHEN having arrived at the Ocean, the king wending
in GangS's wake, entered underneath the Earth, at that spot
\vhere those (sons of Sagara) had been reduced to ashes.
And, O Rama, on the ashes being washed by the waters of
Gangs, Brahma, the lord of all creatures thus spoke unto the
monarch, — 'O most puissant of men, the sixty three thousand
sons of the high-souled Sagara have been delivered — and they
have ascended heaven like unto celestials themselves. And, O
lord of earth, as long as the waters of the ocean shall en-
dure in the world, Sagara's sons shall reside in heaven
like unto celestials. And this GangS shall become thy eld-
est daughter ; and she shall attain celebrity among all, being
called after thy name. And GangS is called both Tripathagft
and Bhagirathi. And she is known as Tripathagft, in conse-
quence of her proceeding in three directions. Do thou now.
O lord of men, here offer oblations of water unto thy grind
sires,— and thereby, O king, make good thy promise. Andi

BlLAKlNDAM. 107

O king, that foremost of righteous ones, thy ancestor of ex-
ceeding renown, had failed to atain his desire. And, O
child, An^umat likewise unparalleled in the worlds in energy
bad failed in realising his cherished promise of bringing
down GangS. And then again that royal saint, crowned
X9\ih qualities, of austerities like unto mine, ever abiding
by his Kshatriya duties, even Dilipa's self— thy exceedingly
puissant sire — O eminently righteous one — had failed in
bringing down GangSl according to his cherished resolve, O
sinless one. And now^, O foremost of men, that promise hav-
ing been fulfilled by thee, thou shalt attain signal glory in the
world by the common consent of all. And, O vanquisher of
thy foes, having brought about Ganga's descension, thou
shalt from this act of thine also attain the regions of Brahma.
Do thou, O best of men, lave thyself in these waters incapable
of being reiidered worthless. O prime of men, — and there-
by become purified, and attain sanctity. And do thou
perform the watery rites of thy grand-sires. May luck be
thine, I shall now repair to my own region? : do thou depart,
O king.' Having said this, the illustrious lord of the celestials —
the Grand-sire of all creatures — went unto the celestial regions.
And the royal saint king Bhagiratha also of high fame having
performed his ablutions and purified himself, and duly and in
proper order offered oblations of water unto the sons of Sagara,
entered his capital. And attaining exceeding prosperity, that
foremost of men ruled his kingdom ; and, O descendant of
Raghu, having him as their sovereign, the people rejoiced
greatly ; and with their griefs removed, and prosperity secur-
ed, they lived in peace of mind. Thus, O RSma, have I
defiled unto £hee the history of GangSl. Auspiciousness
mayst thou obtain ! Good betide thee, the evening draweth
nigh. He that reciteth this story conferring prosperity, fame,
long life, and heaven unto Vipras,Kshatriyas, and others, attain
cth the good graces of his ancestors and the celestials ; and,
O K&kutstha, he that listeneth to the sacred history of GangSl's

io8 RlMlYANA.

descent, conferring length of days, attaineih all his desires,
and all his s^ins are destroyed, and his life and fame increase/'

SECTION XLV.

JlLeARIXG the words of Vi^wamitra, Raghava, together
with Lakshmana^ was struck with amazement, — and spoke
unto Vi^wSmitra, saying, — "O Brahmana, wonderful is the
story that thou hast recited unto us, vis ; that of Gangi*s
sacred descension and the replenishing of the Ocean. And,
O afllicter of foes, as we had been reflecting upon all this at
length, the night hath passed away as if it were a moment.
And the live-long night hath passed away as I in company
with Sumitra's son, was pondering over Vi^wamitra's aus-
picious speech.'' Then in the morning which happened to be
bright, that subduer of his foes, Raghu's descendant, ad-
dressed the ascetic Vi9wamitra, who had finished his de-
votion,— "The auspicious night is past, — and we shall (again)
listen to thy wonderful narrations. Let us now cross over
this sacred stream — foremost of rivers — wending in three
ways. And learning that thou hast arrived at this place,
the pious ascetics have speedily come hither, and have
also brought this barque with a spacious carpet." Hearing
those words of the high-souled Raghava, Kau^ika crossed
over the crowds of ascetics ; and on reaching the north bank,
he paid homage unto the saints. And when they had land-
ed on the banks of the GangS, they beheld a city named
Vi^aia. And thereupon speedily that foremost of ascetics
in company with Raghava, went towards Vi^SlS, — ^beautiful
and elegant like unto the celestial regions. Then the highly
wise Rama, with folded hands, asked that mighty ascetic
Vi(^wamitra concerning the excellent city of Vi9ala,-**0 mighty
ascetic, what royal line resideth in yonder large city ? I

bIlakAndam, 109

desire to hear this, good betide thee ; and great is my curi-
osity." Hearing those words of Rama, that foremost of
ascetics began to relate the history of Vi9al§, saying, — *'Do
thou listen, O Rima, to what I had heard from Sakra rela-
ting this history ; and, O descendant of Raghu, do thou
listen to all that befell in this city. Formerly in the Krita
age, O R^ma, Dili's highly powerful sons, as well as those
of Aditi, possessed of prowess, and virtuous and pious—
high-souled ones both — O foremost of men, fell to reflect-
ing,— 'How can we become exempt from decrepitude and
disease, and immortal.' And as they reflected, it struck
them, — 'By churning the ocean of milk, we must obtain am-
brosia.' Then deciding upon churning (the ocean), those
ones of immeasurable energy making Vasuki the cord, and
the Mandara (hill), the stick, began to churn the deep. And
after a thousand years had gone by, the hoods (of the ser-
pent) serving as the churning cord, began to vomit virulent
venom and to bite at the crags, with their fangs. And
thereat there came out powerful poison like unto fire ; and
in consequence the entire universe with celestials, and Asuras,
and men, began to burn. And thereupon, in4:eRdi ng to seek
refuge, they appeared before that mighty god, Sankara, or
Pa^upati, or Rudra, — hymning him, — 'Save us.' 'Save us.'
When that master, the lord of the celestials, was being thus
addressed by the deities, there appeared before them Hari bear-
ing the conch and the discus. And smiling Hari said unto
the trident-bearing Rudra, — 'O chief of the celestials, since
thou art the foremost of the gods, this that hath come out of
the ocean churned by the celestials, as thine. Remaining here,
O lord, do thou receive the first offering in the form of this
poison/ Having said this, that best of celestials vanished
there. Witnessing the dismay of the celestials, and hearing
also the words of Sarngin, Siva took in that dreadful poison
as if it were nectar j and then leaving the deities, the wor-
shipful Hara went away. And then, O descendant of Raghu,

no RlMlYANA.

as the celestials resumed the churn ingi that foremost of hills
serving as the cord, entered the subterranean regions.
Thereupon the gods and the Gandharbas fell to extolling the
slayer of Madhu, saying, — 'Thou art the way of all beings,
of the celestials in especial. Do thou, O mighty-arnsed one,
protect us, and recover the mountain.' Having beard this,
Hrishikesa, or Hari, assuming the form of a tortoise, stood in
the sea, supporting the hill on his back ; and that Soul of all,
Ke^ava best of male beings, taking hold of the top of the
hill by his hand, began to churn the deep, stationed in the
midst of the celestials. And after a thousand years had roll*
ed on, arose a male being impregnated with the Ayurveda,*
of exceedingly righteous soul, called Dhanwantari, bearing
in his hands a stick, and a Kamandalu. And there arose
also, from the cream of the churning waters, those magnificent
dames the shining ApsarSis. And, O foremost of men, as they
had emerged from water, they are called Apsaris.\ And
there sprang sixty Kotis of shining Apasarls. And, O K&kuts-
tha, the female attendants of those are numberless. And neither
the deities nor the Danavas would accept them, — ^and in con-
sequence of this non-acceptance, they are known as women
belonging to all. And then, O Raghu's descendant, arose the
eminently pious daughter of Varuna, Viruni, who fell to look-
ing for acceptance. And Diti's sons, O R&ma, did not accept
the daughter of Varuna, — and Aditi*s sons, O hero, accepted
that one of blameless limbs. And hence Diti's sons go by
the name of Asuras ; and Aditi's by that of Suras. And the
celestials became exceeding glad, on having accepted Vdruni.
And, O foremost of men, next arose Uchhai^ravl — ^best of
horses, and also Kaustubha ; and next,the excellent ambrosia.
And,0 RSma, tremendous was the carnage for the pof session
thereof (ambrosia) ; and Aditi*s and Diti*s sons fought
together. And the Asuras assembled together with the

• Science of Medicine. — T.
t Ap means water. — ^T.

BALAKINDAM, III

R^kshasas ; and, O herOi mighty was the battle that was
fought, striking terror into the three worlds. And when a
great havoc had been committed, the highly powerful Vishnu,
assuming a captivating form speedily stole away the ambrosia.
And those that came forward before that best of male beings,
Vishnu, knowing no deterioration, were crushed in conflict
by Vishnu in a different form. And in that exceedingly
dreadful battle between the sons of Dili and Aditi, those
heroic OTi^s,viz,^ Aditi's heroic sons slaughtered those of Dili.
And having slaughtered the sons of Diti and regained his
kingdom, Purandara, happily began to rule the worlds,
containing saints and Ch&ranas."

SECTION XLVI.

(6 A

j^ND on those sons of her being slain,Diti afflicted with
great grief, thus addressed her husband, Maricha's son, Ka9ya-
pa,— *0 adorable one, thy high-souled sons have slain mine.
I now wish for a son, who, obtained through long austerities,
will be able to slay Sakra. And I will engage in austerities :
it behoves thee to grant me such an embryo, — such a
slayer of Sakra it behoves thee to promise me.' Hearing
those words of hers, Maricha's son, Ka9yapa of exceeding
energy answered the deeply aggrieved Diti, saying, — *Be
it so.' Good betide thee, do thou become pure, O ascetic. If
thou remain pure, when a full thousand years shall be com-
plete, thou wilt give birth unto a son who will slay Sakra
in battle. And through me, thou wilt give birth to a son
that will destroy the three worlds.' Having said this, that
highly energetic one rubbed her person with his palm. And
having rubbed her, he said,— *Luck !' and then went away
to carry oo austerities. And when he had gone, Diti,
O foremost of men, becoming exceedingly delighted, went

112 rAmItana.

unto Ku9aplava'^ and began to practise rigid morliiications.
And, O foremost of men, as she was practising austerities,
the thousand-eyed deity most dutifully ministered unto her.
And the thousand-eyed one provided for her fire, and Kusa,
and faggots, and water^ and fruits, and roots, and other
things that she wanted. And at all times, Sakra served Diti
by rubbing her person, and removing her fatigue. And when
ten years only were wanting to complete the thousand years,
Diti, O descendant of Raghu, being exceedingly delighted,
thus spoke unto the thousand-eyed one, — *0 best of those
endowed with prowess, of me engaged in austerities, ten
yeas only remain (to complete the period.) And after that
time, good betide thee, thou wilt behold thy brother. 1 will,
O son, bind him unto thee in affection, whom I had besought
for to compass thy destruction, — so that, the fever of thy
heart removed, thou wilt with him enjoy the victory of the
three worlds. On thy high-souled sire having been besought
by me, he, O foremost of celestials, granted me the boon that
after a thousand years, I shall obtain a son.' And it came
to pass that having said this, the sun being in his meridian,
the worshipful Diti with her feet placed at that part of the bed
which should contain her head, was overpowered by sleep.
And thereupon seeing her resting her feet at the place where
she should place her head, — and consequently unclean, Sakra
was exceedingly delighted, and smiled. And, O R&ma,
Purandara entered into her womb, and that highly self con*
trolled one severed the embryo in seven parts. And the em*
bryo being pierced by the thunder-bolt of an hundred knots,
cried at the top of its voice, and thereat Diti awoke. *Do not
cry, do not cry,' — exclaimed Sakra : and even while it was
crying, the mighty-minded Vasava continued piercing it-
'Do not slay it ; do not slay it,' said Diti. Thereupon, in
consideration of the honor of his mother, Sakra went out.

* An asylum on the east, otherwise called Beshalaksha. — ^T*

BlLAKlNDAM. 113

Then he with clasped palms accosted Diti, saying, — *0 wor-
shipful one. thou didst sleep with thy feet placed where thy
head should have lain, and hast therefore becdme impure. And
finding this opportunity, I severed in seven pieces that would
be slayer of mine in battle. Do thou, O worshipful one excuse
me.

SECTION XLVII.

VV HEN the embryo had been sundered in seven,
Diti exceedingly aggrieved humbly spoke unto the irrepressi-
ble thousand-eyed deity, saying, — 'By my fault it is that the
embryo hath been sundered in seven. O chief of the celes-
tialsi herein thou art guilty of no transgression, O destroyer
of Vala, And since calamity hath befallen the embryo, I
wish to do thee a good turn. Let the seven parts become
the guardians of the seven Maruts. And, O son, let my sons
having noble. forms, becoming famous as Marutas range the
V&taskandha regions in heaven. And let one range Brahma's
re^^ions, and another Indra's, and the highly illustrious third
also ran^e around, being known as Divya Vayu.* And, O best
of celestials, by thy command, let the four remaining sons of
mine known by the name which thou hast mentioned, range
about in appointed periods.' Hearing her words, that destroyer
of Vala ; the thousand-eyed Purandara, with clasped palms
said, — *A11 this that thou hast said must come to pass ; there
is no doubt about it. Good betide thee, thy sons endowed
with celestial forms, shall range about. And it hath been
heard by us that having thus ascertained in that hermitage,
the mother and the son, O Kama, went to heaven, their
desire obtained. Even this, O Kakutstha, is the place where

Etherial air. — T.
15

114 r RlAllYANA.

formerly the mighty Indra sojourned, and wh^re he attended
upon Dili of accomplished ascetic success. And, O uMMt
powerful of men, IkshwSlku had an exceedingly righttool
son born unto him of AlamvushSl, known by the name ei
Vi^Slla. And here stood a palace, built by hinii called Vi9lIL
And Vi^lla's son, O Rama, was the mighty Hcmachandri.
And after Hemachandra comes the celebrated Suchandn.
And, O Rama, the son of Suchandra was Dhumrftswa. And
then was born Srinjaya, son unto DhumrSswa. And Srin-
jaya's son was the powerful Sahadeva. And Sahadeva's son
was the pre-eminently pious Ku93^wa. And Ku^ft^wi's
son was the puissant Somadatta. And now, O Kikutstha,
Somadatta's son the effulgent and invincible and renowned
Sumati resideth in this city. And by the grace ei
IkshwSiku, all the sovereigns of Vi9ft1ft are long-lived, and high*
souled, and puissant, and pious. And here will we luqqpily
spend a night ; and on the morning of the morrow thou wilt,
O foremost of men., behold Janaka.' And having heard thlt
the illustrious Vi^wamitra had come, that best of kings, the
effulgent Sumati, appeared before him. And having paid
Vi9vv^mitra high homage together with his priests and frieoda,
and with clasped hands enquired after the former^s welhiei
he addressed Vi^w^mitra, saying,-^' 'Blessed are we, sad
obliged are we, whose domains, O ascetic, have been graced
with thy presence. Surely none is more blessed than I an.**

SECTION XLVIII.

JjLaving met together, they enquired after each othai^a

welfare. And then Sumati spoke unto the mighty
saying, — "Good betide thee, boasting of the prowess of
tials of elephantine or leonine gait, heroic resembling tigenor
bulls, possessed of expansive eyes like lotus-petals, bearing

BlLAKlNDAM. 115

scimitars and bows and quivers, like unto the Agwins in
grace, endowed with youth, like unto celestials fancy-led,
descended from etherial regions to the earth beneath, whose
sons, O ascetic, are these boys, and what for have they come
hither, and why -also is it that they journey on foot ? And
adoring all directions, like unto the Sun or the Moon
adorning the firmament, and resembling each other in per-
sonal proportions, and expressions, and gestures, and equip-
ped with excellent weapons, and war-like, how have these
paragons of men come into this impracticable way ? I wish
to hear all this related truly/' Having heard his words,
Vi^wimitra faithfully related all about it. Hearing Vi9wa-
mitra's words, the king was extremely surprised \ and
having those sons of Da9aratha as his all-worthy guests,
received with becoming respect those highly powerful ones
deserving of hospitality. And meeting with such splendid
reception from Sumati, those descendants of Raghu spent
there a night, and the next day set out for Mithili. And
beholding Janaka's beauteous city, the ascetics exclaiming,
— 'Excellent, excellent' fell to admiring MithilS. And in
a grove at MithilS, RSLghava saw an ancient, lonely, and
romantic asylum, and asked that foremost of ascetics, say-
ing,— **What is this that looketh like an asylum, though
without any ascetics ? I wish to hear, O worshipful one, to
whom this asylum belonged in time past." Hearing this
speech addressed by Raghu's descendant, that one versed
in speech, the highly energetic and mighty saint, Vi9wamitra,
answered, — *'Ah ! Do thou listen. I will tell thee through
the wrath of what high-souled one this hermitage came to
be cursed. O foremost of men, this excellent asylum honored
by ths celestials themselves, formerly belonged to the high-
souled Gautama. And here, O illustrious prince, in days
of yore Gautama in company with Ahalya carried on aus-
terities for a long series of years. And perceiving occasion,
Sachi^slordi the thousand-eyed deity, assuming the form

ii6 RlMlFANA.

of that ascetic thus addressed Ahalyft, — 'O exceedingly
beautiful one, those bent upon sport, do not stay for the
menstrual season. And, O graceful one, I desire to enjoy
thy company (on the instant). Tliereupon, out of curiosity,
that one of perverse understanding consented to the propo-
sals of the chief of the celestials. Then, having attained her
object, she spoke unto tl. at foremost of the celestials, say-
ing.— *0 best of the immortals, I have obtained my desire,
— do thou speedily go from his place, O lord. Do thou,
O lord of the celestials, from a sense of repectibiKty
preserve thyself and me also.' Indra too smiling, said unto Aha-
lyS, — 'O thou of shapely hips, pleased am I. Now I repair
unto my own place.' Having known her thus, Indra, 0
RSma^ exceedingly apprehensive of Gautama, then hurriedly
sallied out of the thatched cottage. Just at this time, Indra
saw that mighty ascetic Gautama entering— that foremost
of anchorets, incapable of being repressed by the deities
and the Danava^, and equipped with ascetic energy, having
bathed in the waters of holy spots, and flaming like fire,
carrying faggots ami kusa grass. And seeing him, the couo-
tcnance of the lord of the celestials turned pale. And
seein&r the wicked thousand-eyed deity in the guise of an
ascetic, the well-behaved anchoret fired with rage said,—
'And since, O thou of wicked understanding assuming ny
form, thou hast done this foul deed, thou shalt lose thy
scrotum.' And soon as the high-souled Gautama had said
this in ire, the scrotum of the thousand-eyed one dropped
to the earth. And having seen Sakra in this plight, he
cursed his wife also, — *For a thousand years thou sbalt
live here feeding upon air, without food, tormented with
repentance and thou shalt remain in this hermitage
unseen of any. And when the irrepressible son of Da^aratha'
RSma, shall come to this deep \\'ood, thou shalt be cleansed
of thy sin. And, O wicked one, ministering unto him the
rites of hospitality, with a mind free from ignorance and

BALAKANDAM. 117

covetousness, thou shalt in thy own form with joy regain
my side/ Having said this to that wicked woman the highly
energetic Gautama of rigid austerities, forsaking this her-
mitage, began to carry on penances on the romantic summit
of tl>€ Himavat, inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas.'*

SECTION XLix

•:00:

<< A

.ND having been deprived of his scrotum, Sakra
with eyes tremulous with fear, addressed the celestials with
Agni at their head, as well as the Siddhas and the Gand-
harbas and the ChSranas, saying, — *I have accomplished
the work of the celestials by stirring the ire of the high-
souled Gautama, and thereby disturbing his austerities. And
in doing so, I have been deprived of my scrotum ; and Ahalya
also hath been put down. And I have deprived him of his
ascetic energy by causing him to utter a mighty curse, — and,
therefore, ye celestials, and saints, and Charanas, ye should res-
tore my scrotum unto me who have served the gods.' Hear-
ing Satakratu's* words, the deities along with the Maruts
led by Agni, presented themselves before the divine Pitris.T
And then Agni addressed the latter, saying, — 'This ram is
possessed of a scrotum ; while Sakra hath been deprived of
his. Do ye taking the scrotum of the ram furnish Sakra with it.
And' although deprived of the scrotum, the ram will be able to
grant consummate satisfaction unto ye. And on those that
will offer such a ram for your entertainment, ye will bestow
undying and profuse merit.' Hearing Agni's speech, the
assembled Pitris, rooting up the scrotum of the ram, joined
it unto the person of the thousand-eyed deity. Thence-

* Lit. the performer of an hundred sacrifices, one of the appellations of
Indra.

t The ancestors.

lid KlMlYANA.

forth, O Kakutstha, the divine Pitris together feast upon
scrotumless rams, for their scrotum had been joined unto
the person of Indra. And thenceforth, O RSghavai Indra
also through the higk-souled Gautama's ascetic energy,
hath been bearing the scrotum of a ram. Therefore, O high-
ly powerful one, do thou enter the hermitage of that
pious one, and deliver the dignified and divinely fair Ah&lyft.'
On hearing Vigw&mitra's words, RSLghava in company with
Lakshmana, placing Vi9w2Lmitra in their front, entered the
asylum ; and they beheld that magnificent dame flaming in
ascetic energy ; and incapable of being gazed at too near
even by the celestials and the Asuras ; as if created by
the Deity to be the divinely charming Woman ; like
a flame hid in smoke ; or the brightness of the full moon
clouded and dimmed in mist ; or the solar splendour
incapable of being beheM on account of clouds. And
by virtue of Gautama's word, she had been incapable of being
seen by any in the three worlds, till the sight of Rftma.
And now the curse having come to an end, she could be
perceived by them. And the two descendants of Raghu
then took hold of her feet ; but remembering Gautama's
words, she on her part took hold of theirs. And with a
collected mind she gave them water for their feet an well
as Arghya, and extended unto them the rites of hospitality.
And the Kakutsthas accepted the homage thus rendered
according to the ordinance. And blossoms bc|^an to shower
copiously to the sounds of kettledrums ; and the Gandharbas
and the Apsaras began to rejoice greatly. And exclaiming,
'Excellent, excellent,' the celestials honored Ahalyft, as with a
person purified by penance, she ngain came under Gautama's
governance. And the highly energetic Gautama also happy on
his union with Ahaly2L, honored Rama hi^yhly, and that one of
mighty mortifications then became engage J in austerities.
And having duly received signal honors from the great
ascetic Gautama^ Rama set out for MithilS.

BlLAKlNDAM. 119

SECTION L.

HEN proceeding north-east Rama in company with
SumitrSi*s son, placing Vi^^wamitra at their head, appeared
before the sacrificial ground. And RSma and Lakshmana
said unto that puissant ascetic, — **Great is the pomp and
splendour of the high-souled Janaka*s sacrifice. And, O pious
one, many thousand of Brahmanas inhabiting various re-
gions, and well-read in the Vedas ^have come to this sacrifice);
and the abodes of ascetics are thronged with hundreds of
cars. Do thou, O Brahmana, arrange for some place where
wre may put up." Hearing RSLma's words, the mighty ascetic
Vi9w2Lmitra selected for their abode a well-watered spot free
From bustle and tumult. And hearing of Vi9vvamitra's arriv-
al, the best of monarchs without blame, placing the priests
Satananda before him, as well as the high-souled family
priests, speedily taking the arghya, at once went out in humble
guise, and offered it unio Vi9wamitra according to the or-
dinance. Having accepted that homage of the high-souled
Janaka, the ascetic enquired after the king's welfare, and the
uninterrupted performance of his sacrifice. And the king
together with his priests, having enquired of the ascetics as
to their welfare, clieerfuUy embraced them all in a proper
way. Then he with clasped hands, spoke unto that foremost
of anchorets, saying, — **0 worshipful one, do thou along
with these eminent ascetics, take thy seat.*' Hearing Jana-
ka's words, the mighty ascetic sat him down. And the king
also, in company with his priests and counsellors sat down
around in order of rank. And then the monarch looking
into Vi^wftmitra's face, said. — *'To-day by the grace of the
gods, hath my sacrifice been crowned with success — to-day
have I reaped the fruit pi my saciifice by beholding thy
worshipful self. Blessed and obliged am I whose sacrificial
ground, O BrAhnoana, hath been graced by thee along with

120 mMAyAXA,

these ascetics. Twelve days, O Brahmarshi, have been fixed
for the period of initiation by the sages. On the expiry of
that term, thou wilt, O Kau^ika, behold the celestials come
unto the sacrifice for claiming their respective shares." Hav-
ing said this, the king with a cheerful countenance, with
folded hands, again inttently asked that foremost of ascetics,—
''These youths, good betide thee, like unto celestials in
prowess, of the gait of lions or elephants, heroic, and resem-
bling tigers or bulls, of expansive eyes like unto lotus-petals,
bearing scimitars, quivers and bows, graceful like unto the
A^wins, endowed with youth, resembling immortals fancy .led
from heaven unto the earth — whose sons, O ascetic, are thej
and w hat for have they come, and why again have they come
afoot ? And bearing excellent arms, whose sons, O mighty
anchoret, are these heroic ones, who grace this place even as
the sun and the moon do the welkin, and resemble each other
in bodily proportions, expression, and gestures; wearing
side-locks and of warlike mien ? This I would hear truly rela-
ted.'' Hearing this speech of the high-souled Janaka, that
ascetic of immeasurable soul related all about Da^aratha's
sons, — their sojourn in Siddha^rama, and the slaughter there
of the Kakshabas,their undaunted journey, the sight of Vi9ftla,
the encounter with Ahaly^ and Gautama, R&ma's curiosity
about the mighty bow, and visit there for beholding the same.
Having related all this unto the high-souled Jasaka that one
endowed with exceeding energy, the mighty ascetic Vijwl-
mitra, paused.

SECTION LI.

JlLearing the narration of the intelligent Vi^wftmitra,
Gautama's eldest son, the exceedingly energetic S<itftnanda
of rigid austerities, higlily effulgent by virtue of his asceti*
cism, with his down standing on end wondered greatly at

BlLAKlNDAM. 121

the sight of R&ma. And seeing the king's sons seated at
their ease, he said unto that foremost of ascetics, Vi9\vamitra,
— "O most powerful of anchorets, by thee was my illustri-
ous motheti grown old in asceticism, shown unto the
king's son. Did my famous and exalted mother entertain
with the produce of the woods Rama worthy of every
one's hortage ? And, O highly energetic one, hath that old
story relative to my mother having been wronged by that
celestial, been communicated unto Rama ? And, O Kau9ika,
good betide thee, hath my mother, in consequence of be-
holding RSma, been united with my revered sire ? And,
O son of Ku9ika, hath the highly energetic Rama come
hither, after having been rendered homage by my high-
souled revered sire ? And, O Kucika's son, was my revered
sire of quiescent sOul, saluted by Rama when he arrived
there ?" Hearing those words of his, the mighty ascetic
Vi^wSlmitra, skilled in speech, replied unto Satananda,
cognizant of words, saying, — ''O best of ascetics, nothing
necessary was omitted by me, — but everything hath been
done. And the ascetic's wife hath been united with him,
even as Renuk^ with Bhrigu's son.*" Hearing the speech
of the intelligent Vigwamitra, the exceedingly energetic
Sat&nanda said unto Rama, — "Art thou well come, O chief
of men ? It is by our luck that, O descendant of Raghu
thou hast come unto us, headed by the respected Ma-
harshi Vi9wamitra. This highly energetic Vi9wamitra, this
Brahmarshi is of prowess measureless ; and deeds incon-
ceivable, by virtue of his asceticism. Him thou knowest as
the prime way. O Rama, there existeth on this earth not
one that is more fortunate than thyself. Thy protector is
even Ku9ika*s descendant, by whom mighty austerities have
been performed. Do thou listen as I faithfully describe
unto thee the ascetic power of the high-souled Kau9ika. Do

♦ Jamadagni, father of Parusurama. — T.
16

i22 rImXyana.

thou listen unto me relating this. This righteous one was
for a long time a king, subduing his enemies, cognizant of
morality, acomplished, and intent upon the welfare of his
subjects. And there was a king named Ku^a, the son of
Prajapati. And Ku9^'s son was the powerful and pious
Ku9an^bha. And Ku^an^bha's son was G&dhi. And
Gadhi's son is the highly energetic and mighty ascetic
Vi9wSimitra who ruled the earth. And that king reigned
for thousands of years. And it came to pass that once
with his four-fold forces marshalled, he set out for ranging
the earth. And the king went on by turns ranging cities
and kingdoms, rivers and mountains and asylums. And at
length that foremost of conquerers, the mighty Vigw&mitrai
came upon Vasishtha's asylum furnished with various blosso-
ming plants and trees ; abounding in animals ; inhabited by
Siddhas and ChSranas ^ graced by celestials and DSnavas and
Gandharbas and Kinnaras ; and filled with mild deer ; fre-
quented by the feathered tribes ; crowded with Brahmarshis;
with Devarshis inhabiting it ; aye teeming with high-souled
ones of accomplished ascetic success and resembling fire ;
like another region of BrahmSL ; graceful ^ and adorned on all
sides with high-soulded saints and VSlakhilyas and Vaikhft-
nasas resembling Brahm§, feeding on water or air, or living
on withered leaves, or subsisting on fruits and roots, and self-
controlled, and free from faults, and of vanquished senseSi
and engaged in reciting mantras and performing homas.

SECTION L«l.

Ol^

PON seeing that foremost of those reciting manirMS^
the highly powerful and heroic Vi^wSmitra, exceedingly de-
lighted, bowed unto him in humility. And having enquired
as to the pleasantness of Vi9w5mitra's journey, the high-
soulcd and adorable Vasishtha ordered a seat for the former.

BlLAKlNDAM, 123

i on the intelligent Vigwamitra having been seated, that
t of ascetics properly entertained him with fruits and
ts. And having accepted Vasishtha's hospitality, that
smost of monarchSj the exceedingly energetic Vi9wamitra,
n enquired of Vasishtha as to the welfare of his asceticism,
AgnihotraSi and his disciples, and his trees. Thereupon
sishtha communicated the welfare of all unto that best of
gs. Then Brahma's son, Vasishtha, of fierce austerities
best of those reciting mantras, asked Vi9wamitra, seated
lis ease, saying, — *0 king, is it well with thee ? And,
cing, dost thou rule thy subjects, pleasing them consistent-
with royal duties? And, O virtuous one, are thy
miners maintained on salaries from the kingdom ? Do
y abide by thy mandates ? And, O destroyer of foes, hast
u vanquished thy enemies ? And, O repressor of foes, is
well with thee as to, O most powerful of men, thy forces,
:hequer, and friends, and, O sinless one, sons and grand-*
iS T Thereupon, the highly powerful king, Vi^wamitra,
h humility communicated unto Vasishtha his complete
Ifare. And having conversed for a long time, those virtu-
\ ones, experiencing exceeding joy, ministered unto each
er's delight. Then, O descendant of Raghu, after the
iversation had ended, the adorable Vasishtha, smiling,ad-
ssed Vigwamitra, saying, — 'O highly powerful one, I desire
properly entertain thee of immeasurable power, as well as
f forces,— do thou, therefore, accept my hospitality. Do
►u receive the hospitality which I extend unto thee. O
ig, thou art the foremost of guests, and art worfehy of assi-
gns homage.' Being thus addressed by Vasishtha, that
ghty ascetic, king Vi^wamitra, said, — 'Even by this word
thine relative to receiving me, hast thou in fact done so.
id^ O worshipful one, even with the fruits and roots that
t in thy asylum, with the water for washing my feet, and
sipping, — yea, with the sight of thy revered self, have
been, O profoundly wise one, excellently entertained

124 RlMXrANA.

by thee, who art thyself worthy of homage. I bow unto
thee. I will go now\ Do thou regard me with a friendly
eye.* As the king was speaking thus, the righteous-souled
and generous Vasishtlia again and again pressed him to ac-
cept his hospitality. Then Gadhi's son answered Vasishtha,
— *Very well. O potent ascetic, — let that be which findeth
favor in thy sight.' This having been said by him, Vasishtha,
the best of those reciting mantraSy joyfully called his sacri-
ficial dappled cow, whose sins had been washed away, — *0
Savala ! do thou come soon ; and hear my words. I intend
to entertain this royal saint together with his forces. Do
thou enable mc to entertain him,by ycilding excellent viands.
And, O divine one, O thou that con ferrest everything that
is desired, do thou grant everyone whatever he asketh
among edibles impregnated with the six tastes. And do
thou, O Savala, speedily create sapid viands to be chewed,
sucked, licked or drunk'."

SECTION Llll.

Xnus addressed by Vasishtha, that bestower of all that
was desired, SavalS, O destroyer of thy foes, brought forth
everything that was desired by everyone. And she produced
sugarcanes, and honey, and fried rice, and excellent Mairey-
asy* and costly drinks,and various viands, and heaps of warm
rice resembling hills, and other kinds of edibles, and soups,
and Dadhikiilydsy\ together with silver plates by thousands
filled with mf*ats of diverse tastes. And, O R&ma, that army
of Vi9wamitra consisting of cheerful and stout men being
superbly entertained by Vasishtha, became exceedingly
gratified. And the royal saint, Vi^wSmitra himself, together
with the priests and Brahmanas and the inmates of the inner

* A kind of wine prepared from molasses. — T.
1 A preparation of milk and rice. — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 125

apartmenti was also heartily filled. And being hospitably
entertained with his courtiers and counsellors and retai-
nerSy he, exceedingly delighted, spoke unto Vasishtha, saying,
—'Received and excellently entertained have I been by thee,0
Br&hroana, who thyself art worthy of being honored. Do thou,

0 thou conversant with speech, listen to me. I will tell thee a
word. Do thou bestow on me Savala for an hundred thousand
kine. O worshipful one, varily this one is a jewel ; and
as it is the function of kings to acquire jewels, do thou confer
on me SavalSL ; for, O twice-born one, this one by right be-
longs unto me.' Thus addressed by Vi^wSimitra the righteous
and adorable Vasishtha — best of ascetics — replied unto that
lord of earth, — 'O king, neither for an hundred thousand
nor for an hundred koti of kine, nor yet for heaps
of silver, will I part with Saval§. O subduer of enemies,
this one deserves not to be separated from my side.
Even like unto the fame of the mighty, this Savala is ever
joined with me. My oblations to the gods and the Pitris as
well as my subsistence itself are established even in her.
And my Agnthotras/^ Vaity\ and HomaX depend uper her;
and, O royal saint, my Svdkdkdras and Vashatkdras^ as
well as my various lore depend upon her. All this is so :
there is no doubt about it. Verily she is my all ; and in her
do I find my delight. And many are the reasons, O king, why

1 cannot give unto thee SavalS.' Thus addressed by Vasish-
tha, that one versed in speech, Vi^wamitra, eagerly rejoined, —
*I shall confer upon thee fourteen thousand elephants decked
in gold chains and gold neck-ornaments and hooks ; and I
will confer upon thee eight hundred golden cars furnished
with bells and each yoked with four white horses ;

* Maintainance of the perpetual fire. — T.
t Offerings to the spirits of air. — T.
X Burnt offerings. — ^T.

% Sacrifices performed with the exclamation of Swdhh and Vashat respect-
ively.—T.

126 i<lMlYANA.

and, O thou of auspicious vows, I will confer upon thee one
thousand and ten high-mettled horses of noble breeds ; and
I will confer upon thee a kott of youthful and variegated
kine, — do thou grant unto me SavaU. And as much of gems
and gold, O best of regenerate ones, as thou wilt ask for,
shall I bestow upon thee : do thou grant me SavalA.' Thus
besought by the intelligent VigwSLmitra, that adorable one
replied, saying, — 'O king, Savall I will not by any means
give. This is verily my jewel : this is verily my riches : this
is verily my all : this is verily my subsistence. And this is
my Darsa* 2ii[dL th\s my Paurnamasaf^ and this my various
sacrifices with dakshinas \X and, O king, this my various rites.
This, O king, is without doubt, the root of all my rites.
And what need of dilating ? This one bestowing everything
that is desired will I not part with.*"

SECTION L1V.

•:00:-

"W,i

iiEN the ascetic Vasishtha would not part with
the cow of plenty then Vi^wamitra, O RSma, forced
SavaU away. And, O RSma, carried away by that high-
souled king, Savala, stricken with grief and afflicted with
sorrow, bethought herself, weeping, — *Have I been forsaken
by the high-souled Vasistha that the royal retainers carry
me off thus aggrieved ? What wrong have I done unto
that mighty ascetic of concentrated spirit, that, knowing me
to be faultless, that righteous one leaveth her that was de*

* Bi-monthly s.icrlfice, performed at change of the moon by persons main*
taining a perpetual fire. — T.

t A ceremony performed at the full of the moon by persons maintainiii|^ a
perpetual fire. — T.

X Gifts to Brahmanas on occasions of sa<.rificc. — T.

BALAKINDAM. 127

voted unto his service ?' Revolving this in her mind and
sighing again and again, she darted unto where the pre-emi-
nently energetic Vasishtha wasj and defeating those servants
(of the king), she with the speed of the wind, appeared at the
feet of that high-souled one. And weeping Savala having
the voice of clouds, standing before Vasishtha, spoke in
distressful accents, — 'O Brahma's son, wherefore have I been
forsaken by thee, — that the servants of the king were carry-
ing me from off thy presence ?' Thus addressed the Brahmarshi
said these words unto that one aggrieved,and of heart afflicted
with sorrow, and like unto a sister, — 'O Savala, not that I
forsake thee ; nor hast thou done me any wrong. But this
mighty king proud of his prowess hath been carrying thee
away. Surely, my strength is not equal to his. More speci-
ally, he is a king,a powerful king, — more particularly,this day
he should not be slain by me (inasmuch as he is my guest) :
he is a Kshatriya and lord of earth. And he is foremost in
might by virtue of possessing this entire Akshauhtni abound-
ing in elephants and horses and cars and standards, and
pennons on elephants.' Thus addressed by Vasishtha, that
one cognizant of words humbly said in reply unto that
Brahmarshi of incomparable power, — *The might of the
Kshatriyas is not great, — the Brahmanas are more mighty
than they. O Brahmana, superhuman is the power of the
Brahmanas, excelling that of the Kshatriyas. Thy power is
immeasurable ; and the exceedingly energetic Vi9wamitra
is not as powerful as thyself. Thy energy is unequalled.
O highly energetic one, do thou command me bursting with
BriLhma forces : the pride, power and endeavours of that
wicked one will I bring down.' Thus accosted by her, the
highly famous Vasishtha, O Rlma, said, — 'Create thou forces
capable of crushing the forces of the enemy.' Hearing
those words of his, Suravi created (an army). And, O king,
Pahlavas by hundreds brought into being by her lowing,
begin even in Vi^wamitra's sight to commit havoc upon his

128 RAmAYANA.

forces. Thereat, exceedingly angeredi with eyes expanded
in ire, that king commenced to slay the Pahiavas with various
weapons. And beholding the Pahiavas by hundreds afflicted
by Vi^wamitra, she again created grim-visaged Sakas mixed
Yavanas. And the field became thronged with the Sakas
mixed with Yavanas^ of dazzling splendour^exceedingly fierce
resembling golden filaments, bearing sharp scinsitars and
adzes, and clad in yellow apparel. And that entire host (of
Vi^wamitra) was being consumed by them like unto flaming
fires. Then the exceedingly powerful Vigwamitra hurled
weapons at them ; and with these the Yavanas, K&mvoyas
and Varvaras* became sore afflicted."

SECTION LV.

"A.

.ND beholding them sore harassed, and overwhelmed
by Vi^wamitra's weapons, Vasishtha directed (SavalSi) say-
ing,— *0 cow of plenty, do thou create (fresh troops), through
thy Yoga power.' And from her roar, there came into being
Kamvojas, resembling the Sun. And from her udders sprang
Varv'aras, arms in hand ; and from her mysterious parts,
Yavanas ; from her anus, Sakas ; and from the pores of her
skin, those barbarians, — H§ritas and Kir&tas. And, O des-
cendant of Raghu, anon Vi^wimitra's entire host consisting
of foot, and elephant, and horse, and car, was exterminated
by them. And seeing the army annihilated by the high*
souled Vasishtha, the hundred sons of Vi^wSLmitra, equipped
with various weapons, rushed in high ire against that best of
mantf'a'itQ\i\r\g ones. Thereupon, uttering a roar, that mighty
ascetic consumed them quite. And in a moment, Vigw&mitra's
sons together with horse and car and foot were reduced to
ashes by the high-soulcd Vasishtha. And witncs.'ing them
all destroyed, together with the army, the illustrious Vi9wl-

* iiarbarians. — T.

SMAKXNDAM. 129

mitra, covered with shame, became plunged in thought ; and
like unto a tideless ocean or a fangless snake, he instantly be-
came shorn of his effulgence, like unto the sun overwhelmed by
RAhu.**^ And deprived of his forces and sons, he appeared like
a bird bereft of its wings ; and losing his entire army and with
it the high spirits that it had inspired him with, his heart died
within him. Then entrusting one of his (remaining) sons
with the sovereignty, saying, — *Do thou rule the earth agree-
ably to the duties of the Kshatriya,' he went into the forest.
And repairing to the side of the. Himavat inhabited by
Kinnaras and Serpents, that one of mighty asceticism began
to perform austerities with the view of propitiating Mahade-
va. And on a certain occasion that lord of the celestials,
Vrishadwaja,t intending to confer a boon, appeared be-
fore the mighty ascetic Vi^wamitra, — *What for, O king,
art thou performing penance ? Do thou unfold what thou
bast to say. I am for conferring a boon : do thou express
what boon thou wouldst obtain.' Thus addressed by that
god, that performer of mighty austerities, Vi9wamitra, bow-
ing down unto him, addressed him, saying, — 'If, O mighty
god, thou art pleased (with me), do thou confer upon nie the
science of archery with all its mysteries and mantras, as
well as its virtues of helping from far and near. And, O
sinless one, may all those weapons that are with the celestials
and the Ddnavas and the Maharshis and the Gandharbas and
the Yakshas, and the Rakshas, shine on me ! May this my de-
sire be granted me through thy grace, O god of gods ! There-
upoOi saying, — 'Be it so' — the lord of the celestials vanished.
And obtaining the arms from the lord of the celestials, the
mighty Vi^wSmitra, naturally haughty became swelled with

* A Daitya with the tail of a dragon, whose head was severed from his
body by Vishnu ; but being immortal , the head and tail retained their separate
existence, and being transfered to the stellar sphere, became the author of
eclipses. — T.

t An appellation of Siva ; meaning, who hath the bull for his vehicle. — T.

130 RAmIYANA.

insolence. And surcharged with energy, like unto the sea
during the equinox, he considered, O RSimai as if that fore-
most of saints, Vasishtha, was already slain. And repairing
to Vasishtha's asylum, the king began to discharge weapons,
capable of burning down the hermitage. And beholding
those weapons discharged by the intelligent Vi9wftmitrai
the ascetics, overtaken by fear, by hundreds began to fly.
And Vasishtha's disciples as well as the animals and birds
inhabiting there, fled in all directions by thousands. And for
a time the hermitage of the high-souled Vasishtha was bare
of living beings, and still like unto a wilderness, though
Vasishtha cried again and again, — 'Do not fear. To-day
will I slay GSidhi's son, even as the sun (destroys) mist'
Having said this,that best of m^/r/r^- reciting ones, Vasishtha,
in high wrath, addressed Vi9w2Lmitra, saying, — 'Since, O fool,
thou hast destroyed this hermitage that had been prospering
for a long time, thou of execrable ways shalt not live long/
Saying this, he, transported with wrath, and like unto the
smoking flame at universal dissolution, speedily upraised a
staff resembling another mace of Yama itself."

SECTION LVI .

XHUS addressed by Vasishtha, the mighty Vicwimitra,
aiming a fiery weapon, said, — 'Stay! Stay !' The worshipful
Vasishtha also on his part, raising a Br&hma staff resembling
another staff of KSila, exclaimed in wrath,— 'Wretch of a
Kshatriya! here am I, — do thou display the might thou ait
master of. To-day, O Gadhi's son, will I humble thy pride
of arms. Thou disgrace of thy race, where is thy Kshatriya
might, and where my high Brahma energy ? Do thou behold
my superhuman Brahma energy.* And even as water allayeth
the fierceness of a flame, the Brahma staff quenched the

BlLAKlNDAM, 131

energy of the powerful fiery weapon discharged by GSdhi's
son. Then G&dhi's son, waxing wroth, discharged Varuna
and Raudra and Aindra and PSisupata and Aishika weap-
ons. And, M^nava, and Mohana, and Gandharba, and
SwSpana, and Jrimbhana, and Mohana, and SantSpana, and
VilSpanai and Soshana, and D^runa, and Vajra hard to baffle,
and Brahmap§9a, and KalapSL^a and Varunap§9a, and
Pin2ka (favorite of Siva), and the two Asanis, wet and dry,
and the Danda weapon, and Pai9§cha, ani the Krauncha
weapon, and Dharmachakra, and Kalachakra, and Vishu-
chakra and Vayavya, and Mathana, and the Hara9iras
weapon, and the twin Saktis, hurled he, and Kank^la, and
Mushala, and the mighty weapon VidySdhara, and the
terrible KSila weapon, and the dreadful Trisula weapon, and
KSip^la, and Kankana. — all these weapons hurled he (Vi9-
w&mitra), at that best of mantra-reciting ones, O descendant
of Raghu. And it was wonderful to behold. But BrahmS's
son baffled all those by means of his staff. And on those
(weapons) being resisted, the son of Gadhi hurled a Brahma
weapon. And on that weapon being discharged, the deities
with Agni at their head, and the Devarshis, and the Gan-
dharbas, and the mighty Serpents, became afflicted with fear.
And on that Brahma weapon being discharged, all the three
worlds became exceedingly alarmed. And, O Raghu's des-
cendant, Vasishtha by virtue of his Brahma energy complete-
ly baffled that terrible Brahma weapon. And when (he
high-souled Vasishtha had baffled the Brahma weapon, hi$
form became fierce and terrible, capable of striking terror
into the three worlds. And from the pores of his body,
resembling a smoking flame, darted out scintillations of fire.
And resembling another staff of Yama, the Brahma^staff rais-
ed by Vasishtha's arm flamed like unto the smokeless fire at
the universal dissolution. Then the ascetics in a body fell
to eulogizing that best of manf rareciiing ones, Vasishtha,
saying,"— 'Thy might, O BrSihmana, is infallible. Do thou rein

KlMAyANA.

w Brahm.i) energy, by thy own. O BrSihmana, Vi^w&mitra
oi mighty strergth hath been subdued by thee. Infallible is
thy extraordinary might. Let the creatures now be relieved
from their distress.' Thus addressed, that highly energetic
one of rigid austerities, became pacified. And Vi9w&mitra,
being put down, heaving a sigh, said, — 'Fie upon the Ksha-
triya might : the strength begot of Brahma energy, is might
indeed. By one Brahma staff hath all my weapons been put
to the rout. Beholding this, I with a placid mind and senses
will engage in mighty austerities, — which shall earn for mc
BrShmanahood."

SECTION LVm.

XhFN with his heart burning, in consequence of the
remembrance of his humiliation, and having made enemies
with that high-souled one, Vi9w5mitra of mighty asceticism
sighing, and sighing, went towards the south, in company
with his queen, and became engaged in dreadful austerities,
O R§ghava. And subsisting on fruits and roots, and res-
training his senses, he performed the most rigid austerities.
And four sons engaged in observing truth and duty —
Havishpanda, Madhushpanda, Drihanetra, and MahSratlia*
were born unto him. And when a thousand years had been
completed, the Grand-sire of all, Brahma, addressed the
ascetic, Vi^wamitra in sweet words , saying, — *0 son of
Ku9ika, the regions of the Rajarshis have been won by
thee through thy austerities. And on account of this thy
asceticism, we recognize thee as a RSjarshi.* Having said
this, the highly energetic prime Lord of all creature went
to the celestial regions in company with the celestials.

* Some texts have Ifahodara. — T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 133

tearing this, Vi9wSniitra hanging down his head from shame
.nd possessed by a mighty sorrow, said, in piteous accents..
— *I have performed rigid austerities, — yet the deities and
he saints recognise me only as a Rajarshi. I do not con-
lider the fruit of my asceticism as gained/ Ascertaining
his in his mind, that righteous and highly composed one
>f high austerities^ O KSikuststha, again engaged in penances.
\nd, O RSLghava, it came to pass that at this time, that
enhancer of IkshwSiku's line, the celebrated and truthful
Frisanku of subdued sense made up his mind, saying, — ' I
ft'iU perform a sacrifice, and in body win the prime way of the
.elestials.' And summoning Vasishtha, he unfolded his mind
into him. And on the high-souled Vasishtha saying, — *I
im incapable of doing this,' and disregarded by the latter,
:he King went towards the southern quarter. And with the
^icw of securing success to his endeavours, the king repaired

0 where Vasishtha's sons had for a long time been per-
forming austerities. And the highly energetic Trisanku
saw the hundred exceedingly effulgent sons of Vasishtha
engaged in austerities with fixed faculties. And approaching
ill those high-souled sons of his spiritual guide, and paying
.hem reverence he, hanging down his head from shame,
with clasped hands, addressed those mighty spirits, saying
— *I seek protection of ye ; and I take refuge in ye capable
Df conferring it. Disregarded have I been, good betide ye,
[>y the high-souled Vasishtha. I have set my heart upon
celebrating a mighty sacrifice : it behoveth ye to command me.
And, with the view of propitiating ye, I, lowly bowing down
my head, beseech the sons of my spiritual guide, — BrShmanas
ever staying by asceticism, — do ye with collected minds offi-
ciate in this sacrifice, so that success may be secured unto
oie ; and that in body I may attain the regions of the celes-
tials. Disregarded by the ascetic Vasishtha, other way find

1 none, ye anchorets, except the sons of my spiritual guide.
To the Ikshw&kus, their preceptor is their prime way.

134 KXmXYANA.

Therefore after him (Vasishtha), even ye are the objects

of my adoration.'"

SECTION LVIH.

EARING Trisanku's speech, the hundred sons of the
sal 11 1^ O Rama, excited by wrath, said these words unto the
king, — 'Disregarded hast thou been, O thou of perverse
understanding, by our truth-telling sire, — why, then, having
passed him by, do thou seek for others' help? To the
Ikshw&kus, their spiritual guide is their prime way ; nor art
thou capable of setting at naught the words of that truth-
telling one. That worshipful saint said, that he was incapa*
ble (of accomplishing this), — how can we then undertake that
sacrifice ? Thou art ignorant, O foremost of men. Do thou
speedily retrace thy steps. And, O king, that adorable
one is competent to officiate at the sacrifice itself of the three
worlds, how can we then contribute to his dishonor?'
Hearing those words of theirs, that king, with accents Ire-
mulous with passion, again addressed them, saying,— 'Dis-
regarded by that worshipful one as well as by the sons of
my spiritual guide, I will go after another way,— so peace be
unto ye, ascetics.' The saint's sons, on their part, hearing
that speech couching a fierce intent, cursed him in exceeding
wTatb, saying, — 'Thou shalt come by ChandSla-hood/ Having
said this, those high-souled ones entered each into his dwell-
ing. And when the night had gone by, the king came by Chan-
d^Iahood. And clad in a blue garb, blue and rough of personi
having a short head of hair, wearing a garland composed of
materials culled from a cemetery ,his body bedaubed withashet
from the same quarter, he was decked out with iron ornaments.
And, O RSima, beholding him in the guise of a Chandllai
his counsellors as well as followers, renouncing him, 6ed

BILAKXNDAM. 135

in a body. And, O Kakutstha^ maintaining himself in pati*
encCi the monarch burning day and night, all alone went
unto the ascetic Vi9wSmitra. And beholding the disappointed
king in the guise of a Chandala, the ascetic O Rama^ was
touched with pity. And from commiseration,that pre-eminently
pious and exceedingly energetic one said unto that king
frightful to behold, saying, — *Good betide thee, O heroic
lord of AyodhySi, thou hast fallen into Chandala-hood through
a curse, what is the purpose of thy coming, O highly
powerful prince ?' Hearing him, the king conversant with
words, fallen into Chandala-hood, with folded hands, said
unto that one versed in speech, — Disregarded had I been
by my spiritual guide as well as his sons. And far from
attaining my desire,! came by this calamity. O thou of placid
presence! I had desired to repair unto heaven in body. By
me have an hundred sacrifices been performed, — but yet do
I not obtain the fruit thereof. I have never before told an
untruth ; and I swear by my Kshatriya morality, that albeit
fallen on evil days, I will nev^r do so in future, O gentle one.
And sacrifices I have celebrated many, — and I have ruled my
people in righteousness ; and I have pleased my preceptors
by my character and conduct. But, O best of ascetics, now
endeavouring to do my duty and intending to perform a
sacrifice, I have failed in enlisting the good graces of my
spiritual guides. Therefore do I consider Destiny as supreme;
and action as nothing. Destiny overtaketh all : Destiny is
the prime way. Therefore it behoveth thee to grant thy
favor unto me extremely distressed, who crave thy favor,
and, good betide thee, whose endeavours have been baffled
by Destiny. Other way will I wend none ; nor is there any
other refuge for me. It behoveth thee to meet Destiny with
exertion'."

136 rXmIfana.

SECTION LIX.

"W,

HEN the king had spoken thus, Ku9ika*s son, moved
with pity, said these sweet words unto the king who had
undergone ChandSlla-hood, — 'O descendant of Ikshw&ku, hast
thou had a pleasant journey ? I know thee well, O hif^hly
virtuous one. Refuge will I grant thee, — so fear not, Obest
of monarchs. I shall summon all the pious Maharshis, who
shall assist at the sacrifice, O king, — and then thou wilt be
able to accomplish thy purpose easily. And should the
guise thou hast come by in virtue of thy preceptor's cune,
cling to thee yet, thou wilt bodily repair unto heaven in this
form. And since appearing before Ku^ika's son, thou hisl
taken his refuge, I consider heaven, O lord of men, as if
within thy grasp.' Having said this, that exceedingly
energetic one ordered his highly virtuous and profoundly
wise sons to provide the sacrificial necessaries. And Sam*
moning his disciples, he said, — 'Do ye by my command
bring hither all the saints together with Vasishtha's sons;
and our friends and their disciples and the family priests
variously versed in lore. And should any summoned by my
mandate, say aught, do ye fully represent unto me the ex*
pression of slight.' Hearing his speech, they set out io
different directions; and Brahmavfidis**^ began to pour in
from various countries. And the disciples (of Vi9wftmitra)
returning, fully communicated unto that ascetic of flaming
energy the words of the BrahmavSidis, saying,— 'Hearing
thy message, the regenerate ones resident in every part will
come hither, — and some have already arrived— all save
Mahodaya and the hundred sons of Vasishtha. Do thou, 0
foremost of ascetics, listen to the words that they said with
accents tremulous with emotion, — How can celestials

* A Brahmavadi is one who maintains that all things are SpiriU-^T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 137

and saints partake of offerings in the court of him that in
addition to being a ChandSlIa, hath for his priest a Kshatriya ?
And how can high-souled BrShmanas, patronized by Vicwa-
mitra, attain to heaven, having partaken of a Chandala's
fare ? — These cruel words, O powerful ascetic, did Vasish-
tha's sons together with Mahodaya, utter with reddened
eyes.' Hearing those words of theirs, that foremost of asce-
tics, with eyes reddened in anger, wrathfully cried, — 'Since
blameless as I am, those wicked-minded ones censure me
practising fierce austerities, they shall, without doubt, be
reduced to ashes. And this very day bound by the noose of
K&la, meeting with destruction at the hands of VivSiswata's
son,* they shall for seven hundred births range these worlds,
procuring dead men's clothes, always feeding on dogs*flesh,
going by the name of Mushtikas, void of abhorrence, and
of frightful, distorted forms and foul practices. And wicked
Mahodaya also hath blamed me although undeserving of
blame \ therefore^ reproved of all, he shall undergo Nishada-
hood. And becoming cruel and engaged in taking life, he
shall through my ire fare wretchedly for a long lapse of time.'
Having uttered this in the assembly of saints, that mighty
ascetic, the highly powerful Vigwftmitra of fierce asceticism
paused."

SECTION LX.

^6 A

j3lNd knowing (by virtue of his Yoga power) Vasishtha's
sons together with Mahodaya as destroyed in consequence
of his ascetic energy, the highly powerful Vigwaimitra
said in the midst of the saints, — *This descendant of
IkshwSku, the famous Trisanku, is virtuous and munificent
and hftth taken refuge in me, with the view of attaining the

138 rImXyana.

celestial regions in his own person. Therefore do thou
engage with me in the sacrifice, so that he may bodily repair
unto heaven/ Hearing Vi^wamitra's words, the pious
Maharshis readily spoke in harmony with duty, saying, — This
descendant of Ku9ika is a highly irascible ascetici— -therefore
what he saith should, without doubt, be performed. The
worshipful one is like unto fire, and, if angered, may curse us.
Therefore, let us engage in this sacrifice, so that Ikshwftku's
descendant through the potency of Vi9w&mitra may repair
unto heaven in person. Then let us engage in this sacrifice.'
Saying this, the sages entered upon the ceremony ; and 10
that sacrifice the highly energetic Vi^wSmitra acted as the
priest. And Ritwijas versed in mantras performed every
thing in order with mantras, in accordance with scripture and
prescription. Then after a long time, Vigw&mitra of mightj
austerities invoked thither all the celestials for receiviog
their respective shares ; but the deities did not come to receive
them. Thereupon, getting into a wrath, the mighty ascetic
Vi9wamitra, lifting up a ladle, wrathfully spoke unto Trisanku,
— 'O lord of men, do thou witness the prowess of my self*
earned asceticism. I shall by dint of my asceticism take
thee bodily unto heaven. And, O king, do thou in person
repair unto heaven hard to attain. Something yet remains
in me of the self-earned fruit of my asceticism ; and, O king^
through the energy of that asceticism, do thou repair unio
heaven in person.' And on the ascetic saying this, 0
Kikutstha, that lord of men bodily ascended heaven in the
very sight of the anchorets. And beholding Trisanku riset
to heaven, the subduer of Paka* together with all the celes-
tials said, — 'O Trisanku, turn thee back. Thou hast nol
earned abode in heaven. O fool, thou hast been blighted hj
the curse of thy spiritual guide. Do thou therefore drop
down headlong.' The great Indra having spoken thoSi
Trisanku fell down, crying unto the ascetic Vifwftmitra,-^

♦ Indra.— T. ""^

BILaKXNDAM. 139

'Save me, save me/ Thereupon, hearing his distressful
cries, Kau^ika waxed mightily wroth, and exclaimed, — 'Stay,
stay/ And in the midst of the ascetics, like unto another
Prajipati, he created other seven Rishis* on the Southern
way; and also, overwhelmed with wrath created another
set of stars. And colliedt with passion, that illustrious
one in the midst of the ascetics created another system
of stars in the southern direction. And, saying, — 4 will
create another Indra, or the world (that I create) shall
be without an Indra.' And in anger, he went the length
of creating celestials. Thereupon, in trepidation, the saints
and the celestials and the Asuras humbly addressed the high-
*souled Vi^wSlmitra thus, — 'This king, O highly exalted one,
hath been visited with the curse of his preceptor, — therefore,
O ascetic, he deserves not to ascend heaven in person.' Hear-
ing those words of theirs, that best of anchorets, Kau9ika,
in company with the celestials, said these pregnant words,—
'Good betide ye, I have vowed unto this king, Trisanku's
bodily ascension unto heaven, — therefore, I dare not falsify
my vow. Let Trisanku evermore dwell in heaven in person,
and let these stars created by me verily endure as long as
the worlds. This it behoveth ye, ye gods, to ordain.
Thus addressed, the deities answered that best of ascetics,
saying, — 'So be it, good betide thee ! All these innumerable
stars, O foremost of anchorets, shall remain in the firmament
outside the path of Vai9wanara ;t and shining in their splen-
dour, Trisanku shall dwell with bended head, like unto an
immortal. And all these luminous bodies shall follow that
best of kings, illustrious and successful, as if he had attained
heaven itself.' And the virtuous and exceedingly energetic
Vipwftmitra, thus assured by the celestials, said in the midst

♦ Urui major, — T,

t "And passion having my best judgment collied.'^ — T.

Othello.
% The Zodiac.^T.

i4« RlSllYANA.

of the saints, — *Ye gods, excellent well/ Then, after the
sacrifice had concluded, the high-souled celestials and the
saints of ascetic wealth went to their respective regions, O
foremost of men/'

SECTION LXIr

ND, O puissant one, seeing those saints gone, the
highly energetic Vi9wSmitra addressed those inhabitants of
the forest, saying, — 'A mighty disturbance hath happened
in regard to the southern quarter : let us therefore repairing
to another region, carry on austerities. Ye high-souled
ones, in the west there are extensive tracts ; and there
in Pushkara will we peaceably carry on our austerities.
That asylum is really pleasant.' Having said this, that
exceedingly energetic and mighty Muni* began to perform
terrible austerities subsisting on fruits and roots. And it
came to pass that at this time that mighty lord of Ayodhyi,
Amvarisha, prepared for celebrating a sacrifice. And as he
was sacrificing, Indra stole away his sacrificial beast. And on
the beast being stolen, the priest said unto the king,— -'0
king, the beast hath been stolen (away") ; and it hath been
lost through thy dereliction. And, O lord of men, his own
fault destroyeth the king that faileth to protect (the subjects).
And, O best of men, even this is the expiation : do thoa,
while the ceremony lasts, speedily bring back the beast, or
bring a man (in its stead).' Hearing the priest's words, that
highly intelligent king began to range various countries
and provinces, cities, forests, and holy asylums, searching
for the beast, with a thousand kine (as the price thereof).
And, O child, it came to pass that arriving at Bhrigutungm,t

• Ascetic. — T.

t A mountain peak.— T.

BALAKANDAM. . 141

he beheld Richika seated, there in company with his wife
and sons, O descendant of Raghu. And bowing unto that
Brahmarshi flaming in asceticism, and propitiating him, the
exceedingly energetic royal saint of unparalleled effulgence
having enquired as to his complete welfare, addressed
Richika,saying, — 'O highly pious one, O Bhrigu^s son,if,in
order that I may have a substitute for my sacrificial beast,
thou sell thy son, my desire I shall attain. I have ranged
every country ; but the beast I do not find. Therefore, it
behoveth thee to part with one of thy sons for price.' Thus
addressed the exceedingly energetic Richika replied, — *0
best of men, my first-born I will in no wise dispose of.'
Hearing the words of the high-souled Richika, their mother
spoke unto that foremost of men, Amvarisha, saying, — *The
worshipful son of Bhrigu hath said that his first-born cannot
be disposed of, — do thou, O lord, also know that the young-
est, Sunaka, is my favorite. Therefore my youngest son
will I not give unto thee. O foremost of men, the eldest sons
are generally the best beloved of their fathers ; and the
youngest, of their mothers, — therefore the youngest I would
retain.' And when the ascetic as well as his wife had spoken
thus, the second son, Sunasepha, O Rama, himself said, —
'My father would not sell the eldest ; nor my mother the
youngest, — therefore I consider even the second as dispos-
able. Do thou then, O prince, take me.' When that one
versed in the Veda had ended, that lord of men, O mighty-
armed descendant of Raghu, taking possession of Sunasepha,
by paying kotis of kine, and heaps of jewels, and gold and
silver by hundreds and thousands, went away exceedingly
delighted. And that royal saint, the exceedingly energetic
and highly famous Amvarisha, placing Sunasepha on his car,
speedily set out."

142 kXmXyana.

SECTION LX;i

"Ai

.ND, O foremost of men, taking Sunasepha, that
illustrious king at noon rested in Pushkara, O descendant
of RSighu. And having arrived at the excellent Pushkarar
as the king was resting, the famous Sunasepha with an
aggrieved heart saw his maternal uncle Vi^w&mitra in company
with some saints engaged in asceticism. Thereupon,with a woe*
begone countenance, and sore afflicted with fatigue and
thirst, he, O Rama, flung himself into (Vi^wSkmitra's) lap, and
said — 'I have neither father, nor mother, nor relatives, nor
friends anywhere. It therefore behoves thee, O gentle one,
to save me in the interests of virtue, O foremost of ascetics.
And, O best of men, thou art the protector of all, and their
refuge. May the king have his desire and may I at the same
time, attaining long life, and undeteriorating, gain heaven,
having performed meritorious austerities ! Do thou with a
delighted heart become a lord unto me that am without one.
And, O righteous one, even as a father rescueth a son, do
thou deliver me from this peril.* Hearing his words, Vifwi-
mitra of mighty austerities, pacifying him by every meanf,
spoke unto his sons, saying, — *That in view of which fa-
thers beget well-wishing sons — the compassing of welfare in
the next world — is at hand. This youthful son of the ascetic
craveth my protection. Do ye, ye sons, accomplish ny
desire by saving his life. Ye are all of virtuous deeds, ye
are all engaged in the observance of righteousness,— do
ye confer satisfaction upon Agni by one of ye becoming the
(sacrificial) beast of the lord of men. Thus Sunasepha will
obtain protection, the sacrifice will be freed from bin*
derance, the deities will be propitiated, and finally my
word will be made good.' Hearing;; the ascetic's words, his
sons, Madhuchchhanda and others, O foremost of men, haugfa*
tily and tauntingly answered, — 'O lord, how, neglecting

BALAKANDAM, 143

thy own sons, thou desirest to deliver that of another ?
This we consider as heinous, even like unto eating one's
own flesh.' Hearing this speech of his sons, that best of
anchorets, with eyes reddened with anger, said, — 'Disregard-
ing my words, ye have uttered this audacious and shocking
speech, disclaimed by morality, and capable of causing one's
hair to stand on end. Therefore, becoming Mushtikas, and
living on dogs' flesh, do ye all, even like Vasishtha's sons,
inhabit the earth for a thousand years.' Having cursed his
sons, that best of ascetics then, by all means cheering up the
distressed Sunasepha as to his protection, addressed him,
saying, — *Do thou donning on a zone made of Ku9a, and
wearing a garland of red flowers, and bedaubing thy person
with red sandal paste^ hymn Agni with mantras, approaching
the Vaishnava sacrificial stake ; and, O ascetic's son, (at
the same timp) chaunt these two verses in that sacrifice of
Amvarisha. Then thou wilt attain success.' Thereupon, with
a concentrated mind securing those two verses, Sunasepha
speedily presented himself before that leonine monarch,
saying, — *0 lion of a king, O thou endued with high
intelligence, let us without delay repair hence. And, O
foremost of monarchs, do thou engage in the sacrifice and
commence upon the initiation.' Hearing those words of
the ascetic's son, the king, filled with delight, readily at once
repaired to the sacrificial ground. And with the consent of
his court, the king fastened Sunasepha with a Ku^a cord,
and investing him with a crimson apparel, tethered him to
the stake as the (sacrificial) beast. And, being bound (to
the stake), the ascetic^s son first of all duly hymned Agni,
and next those deities, Indra and his younger brother.
Thereupon, gratified with the excellent eulogy, the thousand-
eyed VSsava conferred upon Sunasepha long life. And, O
foremost of men, that king also, having completed the
sacrifice, obtained the manifold fruit thereof through the
grace of the thousand-eyed deity, O R^ma. And, O best of

T44 RlMlFANA.

men, the righteous Vi9w&mitra of mighty asceticism agaia
carried on austerities at Pushkara for ten hundred years.*

SECTION LXIII.

"A.

ND when the thousand years had been completed and
the mighty ascetic had accomplished his vow, the celestials
in a body desirous of conferring upon him the fruit thereof^
appeared before him. And the exceedingly effulgent
Brahm2L addressed him in soothing words; saying,— *Thou
art henceforth a saint, good unto thee, — and (this eminence)
thou hast attained through thy own laudable exertions.'
Having spoken thus unto him, the lord of celestials returaed
to heaven. And Vi9wamitra of mighty energy became again
engaged in rigid austerities. And, O foremost of men, it
came to pass that after a long lapse of time that prime of
Apsaras, MenakSi, was at that time performing her ablutions
in Pushkara, and she was observed by Kugika'sson, like unto
lightning among clouds. And coming under the control of
Kandarpa^ the anchoret spoke unto her, saying, — ^"O Apsari,
hath thy journey been a pleasant one t Do thou abide in my
asylum. Do thou favor me ; for, good betide thee, I have
been rendered senseless by Madana.'* Thus addressed^ that
one of shapely hips began to dwell there. And mighty was
the hinderance that befell Vi9w2Lmitra as regarded his asce-
ticism, as she, O RSLghava, staying in that asylum of his,
pleasantly spent five and five years, O gentle one. And after
this period had gone by, overwhelmed with shame and afflicts
ed with anxiety and grief, the mighty ascetic Vi^wftmitra
impatiently thought, O son of Raghu, that all this mighty loss
of austerities was the work of the celestials. And deprived of
his senses by lust, the decade had passed away imperceptibly
as if it were one day and night ; and this impediment stood in

♦ Cupid.— T. ""*

BlLAKlNDAM, 145

the way of his austerities. And heaving a sigh, that best of
ascetics burned in repentance. And with sweet wor-d-?,
renouncinor the terri{i!-d and trem'Dliiv' MenakJl st;indin'^ uiili
claspi^d hands, Kii9iUa's son, Vi^nvaniilra, O Rama, went to
th^i nortliern mountains. And practising the Brahmacharyya
mode of lite with the intention -a subduincr lust, that hi;^hly
famous one engaged in arduous austerities on the banks of
the Kau9iki. And as he w.is tlius enga^^ed in profound aus-
terities on the northern mt^untain, a thousand years, O Rama
passed away. Then taking counsel together, the celestials
and the saints appeared before (Brahma), saying, — *Let
Kugika's son obtain the title of Maharshi.' Hearing the
words of the celestials, the Grand-sire of all addressed the
ascetic ViywSmitra, in these sweet words, — O mighty saint,
hast thou had a pleasant journey? Satisfied with thy fierce
austerities, O Kau9ika, I confer upon thee the eminence of
the foremost saintship.* Hearing Brahma's speech, the
anchoret Vi9w3lmitra bowing down thus answered the Grand-
sire with clasped hands, — 'The incomparable title of Brah-
uiarshi is to be won by one by performing sterling works.
And since thou hast not addressed me (by that title\ it
appears that I have not yet succeeded in subduing my senses.'*
Thereupon Brahma said unto him, — 'Do thou exert thyself
until thou conquer thy senses ? Saying this, Brahma went to
heaven. And when the celestials had gone, the mighty
ascetic, Vi^wSmitra, with upraised arms, and without any
support, and subsisting on air, began to perform penances.
And in summer, the ascetic surrounded himself with five fires,
and in rains remained in an uncovered place, and in winter
day and night stood submerged in water. Thus passed by a
thousand years of terrible penances. And on the mighty

* The text is very faulty. The literal meaning would be, "since thou hast

not I htn* subdued my senses,* which would be absurd. I have therefore

rendered the passage freely. — T.

I4« rXmXyana.

ascetic Vigwamitra being engaged in austerities, great was
the agitation that exercised the celestials and Vftsav, ia
particular. And Sakra together with the Maruts spoke unto
RambhSL these words, fraught with weal unto himselfi and
woe unto Kan^ika'/'

SECTION LXIV.

yj Rambha, this mighty service thou wilt have toper-
form in the interest of the celestialsi— >even to take Kau^ika
with the witchery of love/ Thus addressed by the intelligent
thousand-eyed deity, the Apsari, O R&ma, with clasped
palms, thus bashfully answered the chief of the celestials,—
'O lord of the celestials, this mighty ascetic, Vi9wftinitra, is a
terrible person ; and, without doubt, he will, O divine one,
waxing wroth, curse me. And O god, even this is ay
fear, and therefore it behoveth thee to favor me.' Thus ap*
prehensively addressed by her in fear, the thousand-eyed one
answered that damsel trembling and staying with clasped
hands, — 'Never fear, O RambhSk, good unto thee I Do thoa
perform my bidding. Assuming the form of a coel, captivating
the heart, I will in this spring crowned with graceful trees,
stay by thy side in company with Kandarpa. And do thoa
adding unto thy beauty, diverse blandishments bewitch this
ascetic, Ku9ika's son, O gentle one Y Hearing Indra's words,
that comely damsel of luminous smiles, heightening her
charms exceedingly, in^spired Vi^wimitra with desire. And
he listened to the mellifluous strains of the coel ; and with a
delighted heart, he beheld tiie fair one. Anon, listening Is
the warblinf^ of the coel and her own incomparable siogingi
as well as beholding Rambha, the ascetic began to enteitau
doubts. And knowing for certain that it was the thousand*
eyed deity who had devised all that, that foremost of anchor*
ets, Ku^ika's son, overwhelmed with anger, cursed Pinshhl,

BILAKXNDAM. 147

sayingfi-— 'Since, O Rambhi^ thou endeavourest to seduce me
who is bent upon subduing his anger and lust, thou shalt, O
luckless one, remain as a stone for ten thousand years. And
a highly energetic BrSlhmana equipped with ascetic energy,
will, O RambhS^ deliver thee, stained because of my ire.'
Thus said that exceedingly energetic and mighty ascetic
Vi9wSlmitra, and was filled with remorse unable to contain his
anger of heart. And in consequence of his mighty curse,
RambhSl was turned into a stone. Hearing the curse of the
mighty saint^ both Kandarpa and Indra left the place. And,
O RSma, on account of his anger, and his sense remaining
still unsubdued he found no rest from deterioration of ascetic
merit. And coming by decrease of ascetic merit, he thought
within himself, — *No more shall I suffer anger to exercise me,
—nor will I ever say anything to any. And I shall not
breathe for an hundred years ; and controlling my sense, I
shall dry up my body. And so long as I do not attain
Brfthmanahood as earned by my austerities, I shall suspending
my breath and abstaining from food, stay for a long lapse of
time. And engaged in austerities, my form will not undergo
any deterioration.' That foremost of ascetics bound himself
by this unparalleled vow to lead a life of such self-denial.''

SECTION LXV.

€6 A

^£5Lnd forsaking the northern direction, the mighty Mum\

O R&ma, betaking himself to the Eastern quarter, became
engaged in dreadful austerities. And adopting the high vow
of taciturnity for a thousand years, he, O RSma began to
perform the most signal and arduous austerities. And when
the thousand years had been complete, many an impediment
tried the mighty Muni staying like the trunk of a tree, yet
could not anger enter his heart ; and firmly determinedj

148 RAmIYANA.

to shut out anjrer, he, O R5ma, kept his asceticism from
iletrriMrati)n. And, O foremost of the Racjhus, when his vow
of a thousand years liad been observed, that one of mighty
vows became desirous of feedinjj on boiled rice. And it came
to pass O best of the Raolius that at this time Indra assuming
tlie enise of a re^renerate one, arked for the rice. Thereupon
he g^ave it away unto tlie Vipra ; and when the rice had been
tluis exliausted, that worshipful one of mighty austerities
went wiihout food. Nor, abiding by the vow of reticence,
did he say auyrht unto the Vipra. And he then again resumed
his dumb guise, restraining his breath at the same time. And
that puissant ascetic did dot breathe for a thousand years. And
as he restrained his breath, vapours besran to issue out of his
head. And, at this, the three worlds being on fire became
as if afTlicted with fear. And bewildered on account of the
energy of his asceticism, and shorn of their brightness, and
afiiictt'd uilh afiguish. the Devarshis and the Gandharbas and
the Panna2:as and the Uragas and the RSkshasas in a body
nddff^'-srd the Pitamaha* saying, — *0 divine one, varions
were the means by which we endeavoured to affect the mighty
JI///;//' Vi^wSmitra with covetuousness and lust; but for all
that he increaseth in asceticism. Nor do we perceive in him
ever so little of anger or lust. And if thou do not confer
uj)on him what his mind desireth to have, he will annihilate
the thr'-e worlds with all that is mobile and immobile in them.
And the ten cardinal points are disconsolate : and nothing
Can be cliscovered therein. And the seas are vexed, and the
mountains riven. And t!ie earth shaketh, and the winds
keep st( adily bh^vving. And, O Brahmana, we do not know
how to remedy, this. And every one is inactive like an infidel.
And the three woilds look as if stupified, with their mindi
exceedingly exercised. And by virtut: of that mighty saint's
energy, the sun itself halii been deprived of his splendour.

* Lit. grand-father. Here*, a name of Brahm& meaning, tkt grtai ftthir

of all— T

BlLAKlNDAM, 149

Therefore, O god, against the mighty i!/««z' bending his mind
upon destruction, and consuming the three entire worlds like
unto the fire raging at the universal dissolution, that exalted
one of exceeding effulgence resembling a flame, should be
pacified. Even should he desire the dominion of the celestial
regions, do thou grant him his wish.* Then the celestials
with PilSimaha at their head, addressed the high-soule^l Vicwa-
iPitra in sweet-words, saying, — 'welcome, O Brahmarshi !
well pleased have we been with thy penances. And, O son
of Ku9ika, in consideration of thy fiery asceticism, thou hast
obtained BrSLhmana-hood. And, O Brahmana, I will in com-
pany with the Maruts confer on thee long life. Hail unto
thee ! Do thou accept this, good betide thee. Go thou, O
gentle one, as thou likest ? Hearing Pitamaha's speech, the
mighty ascetic, bowing down unto the celestials, said in
delight, — *If BrShmana-hood hath really been obtained by me
together with length of days, let Omkara and Vashatkdra
and the Vedas crown me ; and let, ye gods, that foremost of
those versed in Kshatra Veda as well as of those cognizant
of the Brahmaveda, even BrahmSL's son, Vasishtha^ recognize
me. Having granted this prime desire of mine, do ye go
away, ye gods.' Then pacified by the celestials, that best
of reciters, the Brahmarshi Vasishtha, made friends (with
Vi^wamitra), saying, — *So be it.' Thou art a Brahmarshi.
There is no doubt about this. And every thing hath been com-
passed in thy behalf,' — having said this, the deities went to
their respective regions. And that Brahmarshi, the righteous
Vi^wSmitra also, having attained excellent Brahmana-hood,
paid his homage unto that best of reciters, Vasishtha ; and
having secured his end, began to range the entire world,
staying in asceticism. In this wise, O Rama, was Brahmanya
actually obtained by the high-souled one. This, O Rama, is
the foremost of ascetics, — this one is Asceticism incarnate.

♦ Some texts read matam, for mattas — meaning- the same. — T.

150 RXMXFANA.

This one ever abideth by duty ; and he is the stay of ascetic
energy."

Havine said this, that best of regenerate persons paused.
Hearing Sat^nanda's narration delivered in the presence of
Rama and Lakshmana, Janaka with clasped hands addressed
the son of Ku^ika, saying, — 'Blessed and favored am I,
that thou, O Kau^ika, accompanied with K9kutstha, hast
arrived at my sacrifice, O puissant anchoret. Purified am I,
O Brahmana, by thy very sight, O mighty Muni. And from
thy sight have I received various qualities. O Brihmana, thy
mighty austerities have been related in detail ; and myself as
well as the high-souled R2Lma have listened to the narration
relative to thy formidable ascetic energy ; and the assembled
courtiers have heard of thy various perfections. Immeasur-
able is thy asceticism ; and immeasurable thy power; and ever
immeasurable thy qualities, O Ku^ika's son. I never, O lord,
am tired of listening to that wonderful narration. Now, O fore-
most of ascetics, the hour for performing the daily devotions
hath arrived, and the solar disc hangeth aslope. To-morrow
morning, O highly energetic one, thou wilt see me again.
Welcome, best of reciters. It behoveth thee to favor me."
Thus addressed, that best of ascetics, extolling that powerful
one, well pleased, dismissed the delighted Janaka. Thus
accosted, Mithil2L*s lord, Vaideha, in company with his priests
and friends, went round that foremost of ascetics. And the
righteous Vi^w&mitra also together with R§ma and Lakshma*
na, having been honored by the high-souled ones, took op
their quarters there.

SECTION LXVI.

HE next morning, which happened to be bright, the
lord of men, having performed his daily devotions, welcomed

BlLAKlNDAM. 151

Vi^wSmitra and RSlgbava. And having, in accordance with
theS scriptures, paid homage unto the former as well as the
two high-soulcd RSighavas, that virtuous one said, — ''Hail, O
worshipful sir ! What shall I do unto thee, O sinless one ?"
Do thou command. Surely, I deserve to be commanded by thee.
Thus addressed by the high-souled Janaka, that first of ascetics
endowed with a righteous soul, well versed in speech, answer-
ed,— "These sons of Da9arSltha — Kshatriyas — famed among
men, are eager to behold that best of bows, that lies with thee.
Do thou show it unto them, may it be well with thee ! Hav-
ing obtained a sight of that bow, the king's sons, their desires
crowned with success, will return as they list.*' Thus accost-
ed, Janaka replied unto the mighty Muni, saying, — "Listen
to why the bow lieth here. There was a king known by the
name of DevarSta. He was the elder brother of Nimi. And,
O worshipful one, this bow was consigned unto the hands of
that high-souled one as a trust. Formerly with the view of
destroying Daksha's sacrifice, the puissant ( Siva ), drawing
this bow, sportively spoke unto the celestials in ire, saying,—
'Since, ye gods, ye deny me the shares ( of this sacrifice),
which I lay claim to, I will with my bow even sever those
beads of yours.' Thereat, O powerful ascetic, with agitated
hearts, the deities fell to propitiating that lord of the celes-
tials,— and Bhava was pleased with them. And well-pleased
with them, he conferred this upon those high-souled ones.
And even this is that jewel of a bow belonging to the
high-souled god of gods, and which was ultimately, O lord,
consigned as a trust unto our ancestor. And as I was plough-
ing the mead, arose a damsel, — and as I obtained her while
hallowing the field (for sacrifice), she hath come to be known
by the name of Sit&. And arising from the earth, she grew
as my daughter. And unsprung from the usual source, she
was then established here as my daughter, whose hand must
be obtained by bending the bow. And O foremost of ascetics,
many a king, coming here, had saught to obtain my growing

151 RJmXyANA.

daughter arisen from the earth. But, O worshipful one,
in consideration of her being one who<?e dower must be
prowess in bend in or the bow. 1 would not bestow my daughter
upon those lords of earlh seeking for the damsel. Thereupon
O puissant anchoret, all the kings in a body brgnn to
flock to Mithila, desirous of being acquainted with the strength
of the bow. And on their being curious ( as to the bow ), I
showed it unto them ; but they could neither liold nor wieM
it. And, O mighty Miiniy finding those powerful kings to be
but endowed with small prowess, I parsed them by. Hear
what then befell, O thou of ascetic wealth. Then, O power-
ful anchoret, in hii^h ire, the kings, doubtful as to their
strength in stringing the bow, laid siege to MilhiU. And those
potent princes, conceiving themselves as frustrated by mei
began to harass the city of MitliilS, waxing wondrous wroth.
And when a year had been completed, my defensive resourc-
es were entirely exhausted, — and at this, I was exceedingly
aggrieved. Then I sought to propitiate the deities ; and wcH-
pleased, the celestials granted me a Chaturanga army.
At length those wicked kings, meeting with slaughter, broke
and fled in ail directions, together with their adiierents, be-
reft of vigor, and confidence in their strength. And, O
puissant ascetic, this highly effulgent bow will I show unto
R&ma and Lakshmana, O thou of excellent vows. And, if,
O ascetic, R^ma succeeds in fixing string to it, I will confer
upon Da9ar3tha's son my daughter Sit§, unsprung from the
usual source."

hlLAKlNDAM. 153

SECTION LXVH

Mi EARING Janaka's words, the mighty Muni Vi^wS-
mitra said unto the king, — **Do thou show the bow unto
RAma." Thereupon the king Janaka commanded his minis-
ters, saying, — '*Do y« bring the wonderful bow furnished
with unguents and garlands/' Commanded by Janaka, the
ministers entered the city ; and placing the bow in their
Cront^ those, endowed with immeasurable energy, came out.
And deposited in a case on a cart borne upon eight wheels,
it was with difficulty drawn along by five thousand stalwart
persons of well-developed frames. And having brought that
case of iron, wherein lay that bow, the royal counsellors
^oke unto Janaka resembling an immortal, saying, — *'Here
is the best of bows, O king, worshipped of all sovereigns.
O foremost of kings, O lord of Mithild, if you think it worth
showing (shew it)." Hearing their speech, the king with clasped
palms said unto the high-souled Vi9wamitraas well as Ri^ma
and Lakshma-na, — '*This best of bows, O Brahmana, hath
ILlways been worshipped by the Janakas ; as also by mighty
kings incapable (of wielding and stringing it.) And neither the
celestials^ nor the Asuras, nor the RSlkshasas, nor the Gan-
dharbas nor the Yakshas, nor the Kinnaras, nor the mighty
Urag&s, — how shall men fare ? — have succeeded in stringing
or stretching it, or fixing the arrow to at, or pulling its string'
or wielding it. This foremost of bows hath been brought
here, O chief of ascetics. Do thou, O exalted one, show it
unto these sons of the king.'' Hearing Janaka,s words, the
righteous Vi^wSmitra said unto R^ghava, — ''O Rama, do thou,
my child, behold the bow." At the words of the Maharshi,
Rima, opening the case, wherein lieth the bow took a sight of
it and said, — "This divine bow will I touch with my hand, —
and shall I also strive to wield and draw it ?" Thereat both the

154 AAmIYANA.

king and the ascetic said, — "Excellent well." At the words of
the anchoret, in the sight of countless thousands of specta-
tors,the righteous son of Raghu with exceeding ease took hold
of the bow by the middle, and fixed the string upon it, — and
h:wing fixed the string, drew it. And that foremost of men
enjoying high fame, snapped the bow in the middle. And
niiglity was the sound that was heard on the occasion, like
unto the bursting of a thunder-clap : and the earth trembled
terribly, as it doth in the vicinity of a mountain splitting; and
overwhelmed by the noise, all rolled head over heels,with tbc
exception of that best of ascetics, the king, and the two
Kaghavas. And on the people being reassured, the king con-
versant with'speech, his apprehension removed, with folded
hands addressed that puissant ascetic, saying,— "O worship-
ful one, I have beheld the prowess of Da9aratha's son. This
is verily wonderful and inconceivable ; and I did not think
til is was possible. And my daughter, SitSL, being united with
her lorH, Da^aratha's son, R9ma, will shed lustre on Janaka'i
line. And my promise via, ^ihdX I will confer SitS upon him that
will bend the bow, hath been fulfilled, O son of Ku9ika. And
this SitSL, this my daughter, dearer unto me than life wili
I confer upon RSma. And, O Br&hmana, by thy permission
let my counsellors speedily post hence, O Kau^ika, good
betide thee unto Ayodhya, in cars ; and with humble speech
bring the king unto my capital. And let them communicita
unlo him all about the bestowal of ^itSL upon Rftma, id
consequence of his having bent the bow. And let thett
acquaint the monarch with the welfare of the Kftkutsthli
protected by the ascetic ; and let them, speedily posting
hei;ce, bring the delighted king." And thereupon Ku9ika*8 WMl
sn.id, — "So be it." And the righteous king, summoning Ins
counsellors, despatched them to AyodhySL with his letteti lO
communicate all duly unto the king, and bring him thithtft.

BlLAKlNDAM 155

tSECTION LXVIIt.

tius commissioned by Janaka, the envoys, having;
three nights on the way, entered the city of Ayodhy3,
heir conveyance afflicted with fatigue. And in ac-
ace with the royal commission, entering the king's resi-
, they sSLw the aged king; Da9aratha, resembling a
ial. And freed from apprehension, the envoys with
id hands ad'iressed the monarch in sweetly humble
ts, saying, — "O mighty monarch, Mithila's lord king
a, in company with his priests, in sweet and aflfec-
e words, repeatedly enquires after the complete
re of thyself along with thy priests and servants. And
having enquired after thy complete welfare, Mithi-
>rd, Vaideha, by permission of Kau9ika. addresses thee
— *Thou knowest the vow I had made formerly — viz^
ifer my daughter upon him that would bend the bow, —
le king^, in consequence of their having been deprived
)wess, and being baffled, have come to entertain spite
st me. And that daughter of mine, O king, hath been
\y thy son arrived here at will, headed by Vi^wamitra.
O mighty-armed one, that divine, jewelled bow hath
snapped in the middle by the high-souled Rama in the
of ft large assembly. And upon that high-souled one
d I confer SitS, having prowess assigned for her dower.
Q this wise will I free myself from my vow^ and this thou
dst permit. And, O mighty king, do thou, good betide
come speedily, headed by thy priests. It behoveth
bo see the Righavas ; and, O foremost of kings, to see
elivered from this vow. And do thou attain the joy
snt to the nuptials of both thy sons/ — thus spoke sweet-
5 lord of Videha, per.mitted by Vi^wSmitra 5nd staying
e opinions of Satananda." Hearing the words of th^

156 rImXyana,

envoys, the king, exceedingly rejoiced, addressed Vasishtha
and VSimadeva, as well as his counsellors, saying,— "Pro-
tected by Ku9ika's son, that enhancer of Kau^alyl'a joy
stayeth in Videha in company with his brother Lakshmana.
And the high-souled Janaka hath witnessed the prowess of
Kakutstha ; and he wisheth to bestow his daughter npoo
RSLghava. If this alliance with the higb-sooled Janaka is
relished by yc, we shall speedily repair to his capital. Let
there he no waste of time." Thereupon, the counseHors aloog
with the Maharshis said, — "Excellent l/' And thr king
highly delighted, said unto the counsellors, — "Our jonniey
commenceth on the morrow/' And excellently ministered
unto, the counsellors of that foremost of monarchs (Janaka),
endowed with every excellent quality^ spent that night in
joy.

SECTION LXIX.

X HEN when the night had been spent, king Da^aratha
accompanied with his priests &nd adherents, well pleased
spoke unto Sumantra, saying, — "To-day let the officers in
charge of the treasury, taking plenty of excellent wealth, and
furnished with various gems, go in advance under proper
escort. And let the fore-fold forces sally out with speed.
And at my command let horses and conveyances and elegant
vehicles march out. And let Vasishtha and VSmadera and
J&vali and Ka^yapa and M&rkandeya endowed with long life
and the saint K§ty9yana — let these regenerate ones go for-
ward. And do thou also yoke my car. Let not the proper
time pass away ; for the envoys urge speed upon me/' At
these words of the king, the four-fold forces together with
the saints went in the wake of the monarch. And after Imt*
ing passed four days on the way, they arrived at ^^dehn.

BlLAKlNDAM. 157

And hearing of Da9aratha's arrival, the auspicious king
Janaka experienced great delight, and having obtained the
aged king Da9aratha, he honored him duly* And that best
one (Janak?) spoke words unto that delighted chief of men.
"Hath thy journey been a pleasant one, O best of men ? By
luck have I obtained thee, O descendant of Raghu. Do thou
experience the joy earned by the prowess of thy sons. And by
luck it is that I have obtained the highly energetic and wor-
shipful saint Vashistha accompanied by the foremost regener-
ate ones, like him of an hundred sacrifices, by the celestials.
By luck it is that I have overcome the obstacle ; by luck it
is that my race hath attained renown,in consequence of alliance
with those endowed with prowess, the exceedingly potent
R&ghavas. O lord of men*, to-morrow morning, after the com-
pletion of the saCrifice,do thou perform the nuptials,in company
with the foremost of the saints." Hearing his speech in the
midst of the saints, that best of those conversant with words,
the lord of men, replied unto the monarch, saying, — **A gift
should be accepted, — this I heard formerly. And what thou
sayest, O thou cognizant of duty, will we accomplish." Hear-
ing these words of the truthful (king),chiming in with morality
and conducive to fame, the lord of Videha was filled with
admiration. Then the ascetics experiencing great delight,
passed the night happily in each other's company. And the
king, overjoyed on beholding his sons, the Raghavas — passed
(the night) in exceeding delight, splendidly entertained of
Janaka. And the exceedingly energetic Janaka also, versed in
men and things, having in accordance with the ordinance com-
pleted the sacrifice and performed all the preliminary rites
relative to the nuptials of his daughters,reposed for the night.

* The text: And .hearini^ of Dasaratha's arrival, the auspicious king Janaka
honored him duly ; and having obtained the aged monarch Dasaratha, he being
delighted experienced the excess of joy, — T,

1 5? RlAlXrANA.

SECTION LXX.

XHEN next morning Janaka skilled in speech, having
in company with the Maharshis performed his daily duties,
addressed the priest Sat^nanda, saying, — '*My highly ener*
getic, puissant and eminently righteous brother known by the
name of Ku9adh\vaja dwelleth in the auspicious city, Sink&-
9yS, whose ramparts are ranged round with pointed weapons,
and which is laved by the river Ikshumati, and which re-
sembles the celestial regions or the aerial car, Pushpaka. I
wish to see him, and he is in charge of my sacrifice. And
that highly energetic one will partake with me the joy of
this occasion. '^ This having been said unto Satftnanda,
some competent persons presented themselves ; and Janaka
commanded them (to set out) for S&nk39y3. And commanded
by the monarch, off they went, mounting on fleet coursers,
with the view of bringing over that best among men, like
Vishnu at the mandate of Indra. And arriving at S&nk&9yi,
they presented themselves before Ku^adhwaja, and faithfully
delivered unto him the intention of Janaka. And hearing the
tidings conveyed by those foremost of envoys endowed with
great fleetness, Ku9adhwaja set out at the mandate of the
monarch. And on coming to Videha, he appeared before
the high-souled Janaka addicted to righteousness. And
saluting SatSinanda as well as the eminently virtuous Janaka,
he sat down on an excellent and superb seat worthy of
a king. And having been seated, both the heroic brothers
of immeasurable splendour addressed that foremost of
counsellors, SudSmana, saying, — *'Go, foremost of coun-
sellors, and speedily bring over the irrepressible IkshvAku
of immeasurable splendour along with his sons and ministers."
Thereupon, repairing to the camp he saw that enhancer
of the race of the Ra^hus, and saluting him with bended
head, addressed him, — "O heroic lord of AyodhyA, Vaideha,

BlLAJSlNDAM. 159

the master of Mitbil&, hath wished to see thee along
with thy priests/' Hearing the words of that best of coun-
sellors, the king accompanied by the saints and his adherents
came to Janaka. And in company with his counsellors,
and preists and adherents, the king— foremost of those skilled
in speech — spoke unto Vaideha, saying, — *'0 mighty king,
tbow knowest that the worshipful saint Vasishtha is the
spiritual guide of our race ; and in every ceremony that we
undertake, he it is who serves the function of a spokes-
man. And permitted by Vi9wamitra along with all the MS-
harshis, even this one of a righteous soul will ^relate my
genealogy/' And on Da^aratha resuming silence, tlie wor-
shipful saint Vasishtha, versed in speech, spoke unto Vai-
deha in company with his priests, saying — "The perpetual,
everlasting, and undeteriorating Brahma sprang from the
Unmanifest (Brahma). From him sprang Maricha ; and
Ka9yapa is son unto Maricha. And from Ka9yapa
sprung Vivaswat ; and Manu is son unto Vivasvvat.* This
Manu is otherwise called Prajipati \ and Ikshwaku is Manu's
son. And this Ikshw&ku, thou must understand, was the
first king of AyodhySL. And Ikshvvaku's son, it is well
known, was the graceful Kukshi. And Kukshi's son was the
graceful Vikukshi t And Vikukshi's son was the exceedingly
energetic and powerful Vina. And Vena's son was the
highly energetic and powerful Anaranya. From Anaranya
sprang Prithu j and from Prithu, Trisanku. And Tri-
sanku's son was the highly famous Dhundumara. And from
Dhundum&ra sprung the Mah&ratha, Yuvana9ya. And
from YuvanScya sprung MandhatSL, lord of earth. And
Mftndh&t&'s son was the graceful Susandhi. And Susan-
dhi's two sons were Dhruvasandhi and Prasenajit. And

• The Bengal Text reads : From Maricha sprang Angiras ; and his
was Prmekettu ; and Manu is PrachHas' son. — ^T.

t The Bengal Text : From Ikshwaku sprung Vikukshi.^T

i6o RAIUXVANA,

trom Dhmvasandhi sprung the famous Bharata. And
from Bharata sprung Asita ; to fight whom were born as
hostile kings, those heroes, the Haihayas, the TAla*
janghas, and the Sasavindas. And engagt^d in conflict
with them, that king fled (from his kingdom); and repairing
to the Himavat in company with his two consorts, the feeble
Asita there paid his debt to Nature. The story runs that
his two wives were in the family-way ; and that with the in-
tention of destroying the embryo of the other, one of them
administered poison unto the former mixed in her food. And
it came tq pass that at this time, Bhrigu's son, the ascetic
Chyavana, had become addicted to the romantic Himavat"—
foremost of mountains. And here one of these exalted
dames with eyes resembling lotus-petals, saluting Bhrigu's
son shining like a celestial, desired of him an excellent sou.
And drawing near unto that sage, K&lindi saluted him.
And that Vipra said unto her, who was desiring of having
a son born of her, — ''In thy womb, O exalted one, will be
speedily born an excellent son mixed up with poison, high-
ly powerful, and exceedingly energetic, and possessed of
mighty strength, and gracefuL Therefore, do thou not
grieve, O thou of lotus-eyes." And having paid reverence
unto Chyavana, that chaste and worshipful princess, although
bereft of her husband, gave birth to a son. And since
intending to destroy her foetus she that was co-wife with her
had administered poison unto her, Sagara* was born to-
gether with the poison.

And Sagara's son was Asamanja,and Asamanja's An^umU.
And Dilipa was son unto Anyumat, and Bhagiratba
unto Dilipa. And from Bhagiratha sprang Kakutstha, and
from Kakutstlia, Raghu. And Raghu's son was the puissant
Pravridha, feeding on human flesh ; and he came finally

• Gara, pifison, Sagara means;, with poison , i. c. here, mte htm mUk

poiivn, — T,

BILAKANDAM. i6i

to be known by the name of Kalmashapada.^ And from him
sprung Sankhana. And Sudar9ana was Sankhana's, and
Agnivarna was Sudar9ana's son. And Sighraga was Agni-
varna's, and Maru was Sighraga's sou. And Mam's son
was Pra9ucruka, and from Pra9ucruka sprung Amvarisha.
And Amvarisha's son was Nahusha, lord of earth. And
Nahusha's son was Yayati, and Yayati's was Nabhaga. And
N&bh&ga's son was Aja, and from Aja sprung Da9aratha.
And from this Da9aralha have come the brothers Rilma and
Lakshmana. And it is in the interests of Rama and Laksli-
mana belonging to the heroic and truthful and pious Sovereigns
sprung in the Ikshwaku line, and possessing purity of race
even from the time of their founder, that, O king, we solicit
the hands of thy daughters. And, O foremost of men, it be-
hoveth thee to confer like brides upon like bridegrooms."

fSECTION LXXI.

\IS HEN Vasishtha had spoken thus, Janaka with clasped
hands answered unto him, saying, — "It behoveth thee
to listen unto our genealogy as related by myself. In the
matter of disposal of daughters, O foremost of anchorets,
one's own line should be described by one boasting of a
noble ancestry. Do thou then, O mighty-minded one, listen
to the same. There was a king famed over the three worlds
by his own acts — Nimi — eminently pious and the foremost
of those endowed with strength. And his son was
named Mithi, and Mithi's son was Janaka. And from this

* He incurred Vasisbtha's curse, and was turned into Rilkshasa. He took
vp water, intending to clear scores with Vasishtha; but at the request of his
wife, desisted, pouring dowa the water at his own feet. Hence the name of
KalnMsbapada. — T.

\U Rl All PAN A.

4<ing Janaka have we derived that word as applied to every
one of us. And from Janaka sprang Udivasu ; and UdSLvasu's
son was the pious-souled Nandivardhana. And Nandivardhan's
son was the heroic Suketu. And Suketu's son was the
mighty and righteous Devarata. And the Rajarshi Devar&ta's
son was Vrihadratha. And Vrihadratha's son was the heroic
and puissant Mahavira. And Mah&vira's son was Sudhriti,
endowed with fortitude and having truth for prowess. And
Sudhriti's son was the pious-spirited and eminently righteous
Dhritaketu. And the Rajarshi Dhritaketu's son was
Haryya9ya. And Haryya9ya's son was Maru ; and Maru's
son was Pratindhaka. And Pratindhaka's son was the righte-
ous king Kirtiratha. And Kirtiratha's son was Devainirha,
and Devamirha^Si Vibudha, and Vibudha's Mahidhraka. And
Mahidhraka's son was king Kirtiratha endowed with great
strength. And the Rajarshi Kirtiratha had MohSirom& born
unto him ; and MoharomS, the virtuous SarnaromS. And
the Rajarshi Sarnarom^ had HraswaromSL born unto him.
And this high-souled king conversant with morality had
two sons : the elder, myself, the younger, even my brother,
the heroic Ku9adhwaja. And installing in the kingdom
myself, who was the elder son, and consigning unto my care
Ku9adhwaja, our father sought the forest. And on my aged
sire ascending heaven, I righteously ruled the kingdom and
cherished my brother Ku^adhwaja resembling a celestial, with
the eye of affection. And it came to pass that on one
occasion a certain powerful king named Sudhanwft came from
the city of Sanka9ya before Mithil^ intending to lay seige
to it. And he sent word unto me, saying, — 'Do thou give
me the all-excellent bow of Siva, as well as thy daughter, the
lotus-eyed Sit5.' And in consequence of my not granting
him either, king SudlianwS, O Brahmarshi, entered into
hostilities with me ; but he was both defeated and slain by
me in the encounter. And, O foremost of ascetics, slaying
king Sudhanw§, I installed in SankS9ya my heroic brother

BiLAKANDAM. t6j

Kufadhwaja. This one, O mighty anchoret, is my younger
brother, and I am his elder. O powerful ascetic, well pleased
will I confer on thee these as thy daughters-in-law,— Sita on
RSma, good betide thee, and Urmila on Lakshmana. And,
I take oath thrice that, without doubt, I will with a glad
heart confer upon thee, O potent ascetic, as thy daughters-
in-law my second daughter Urmila and also Sita resembling
the daughter of a celestial, having prowess assigned for her
dower. Do thou now, O king, perform the ceremony Godana
of the nuptials of R^ma and Lakshmana ; and also perform
their ancestral rites, good unto thee ; and then complete the
marriage ceremony. To-day the star Magha is on the arcendant.
On the third day, my master, when the Phalguna will be on
north, do thou, O monarch, perform the marriage ceremony.
Do thou now, however, dispense gifts for invoking blessings
upon RSlma and Lakshmana.''

SECTION LXXII

W HEN Vaideha had spoken thus, the mighty ascetic
Vi^wSmitra in company with Vasishtha addressed that heroic
king, saying, — "O puissant one, the lines of the Ikshwakus and
the Vaidehas are exceedingly noble and incomparable. No
other race can by any means compare with them. And, O
monarch, this youthful union of Rama and Lakshmana with
Sit& and Urmila is fit by all means ; and it is worthy of their
wealth of grace. Now do thou, O foremost of men, listen to
my words. This youthful brother of thine, king Ku9adhwaja,
O thou versed in morality, this pious-souled one, O king, hath,
O prime of men, a couple of daughters, unparalleled on
earth in beauty, \vhom we would ask for, to become wives
unto the prince Bharata and the intelligent Satrughna ; as we,
O king, ask for thine own daughters in the interests of those-

i64 RlMlVANA.

high-souled ones (Rlma and Lakshmana). And these sooi
of Da9aratha are endeued with youth and beauty, resembling
the Lokap^Ias, and possessed of the prowess of celestials.
Therefore do thou, O foremost of sovereigns, by this alliance
witli both the brothers, bind the Ikshw&ku race. And in this
mav thv mind never waver !" Hearings Vi9wSmitra's words
embodying the sentiments of Vasishtha, Janaka with clasped
hands addressed both the potent ascetics, saying, — "I con-
sider my line as blessed ; since such puissant ascetics wish
for such a desirable alliance. Whatever ye wish, even that
shall be done, orood betide ye. Let these daughters of Ku^a*
dhwaja toj;:cther become the wives of Satrughna and Bliarala.
On the same day, O mighty Muni, let the four highly power-
ful princes espouse the hands of the four princesses. The
learned consider bridal celebrated on the day succeeding
those on which the Phalgunis are on the ascendant, — and hav-
ing for its presiding deity Bhaga — as the most auspicious."
Having said these amiable words, king Janaka arose, and
with clasped hands addressed both the foremost of ascetics,
saying, — **I have reaped high religious merit (by these nup-
tials\ and I also am your disciple. And do ye, ye anchorets,
occupy these best of thrones, (belonging to us). And even
as this kingdom is unto Da^aratha, is Ayodhy& unto my-
self. Do ye not therefore entertain any doubts as to your
lordship. Do ye therefore do as it behoveth ye." And as
Vaidcha Janaka was speaking thus, Raghu's son, kipg
Da(;'arathn, well pleased answered that monarch, saying,

^'Countless are the excellences that pertain to yc bnv

thcrs, lords of Mithila ; and saints and sovereigns are
ever honored by ye * auspiciousness be yours. Good be-
tide ye, I will repair unto my own quarters, there to duly per*

* The commentator here seems to be in fault. He expIaiiis,p~"By JM
have your royal ancestors been honored." Evidently an error. I difltr '
him. The particle cha (and) makes the point clear.-— T.

BlLAKlNDAM. 165

form the Sraddha ceremonies/* Then having greeted that
king of men, the illustrious Da9aratha, placing those foremost
of ascetics in his front, went away. And reaching his quarters,
the king performed the Sr2L»ldha according to the ordinance,
arose the next morning, and completed Godana ceremony
in consonance with the time. And to Brahmanas the monarch
severally gave away kine by hundreds and by thousands, for
the welfare of his sons. And that puissant one gave away
unto the regenerate ones four hundred thousands of kine
furnished with horns plated with gold, and each having her
calf, — together with bell-metal vessels for milking them. And
that descendant of Ra^hu addicted to his sons made presents
of various other valuables unto the Brahmanas, on behalf of
his sons. And having given away kine. the king surrounded
by his sons looked like unto the amiable Prajapati* surround-
ed by the Lokap^las.

SECTION LXX N.

jtiLND it came to pass that the day on which the king
made excellent presents of kine, the heroic Yudhajit, son
unto the lord of the Kekayas and maternal uncle unto Bha-
rata, presented himself before Da9aratha. And having
seen the king and enquired after his welfare, he said unto
him, — "The lord of the Kekayas hath from affection enquired
after thy welfare, saying, — 'They of whose peace thou
art anxious, are at present well.' And, O foremost of
kings, desirous of seeing my nephew (Bharata) that lord of
earth repaired to Ayodhya, O descendant of Raghu. And
learning at Ayodhy§ that thy sons for the purpose of marriage
had, O monarch, come to Mithila with thyself, I have speedily
hied hither, with the intention of seeing my sister's son."

♦ The Bengal text— If ** Prajdpati himself, ^T.

iff MAiilrjyj.

t^rz cz:^ ^'a;:£rT'^.y oe l^zTicg tlot dear gaest with luBf
r»r.£*ri-£ ^rtr Irrr iZ :>•* rssoect that he deserved. Then
bs-r rz r.£55.?-i tb? -'ir^i i= ccv2DpanT with his high-soulcd
sr-5 iLii rr* T*rs*-£ := itea aisd thin^ aiose in the
cmlr|: &=£ r^Tt-r^ cisprvs^i of his dailv duties, approached
ib* ^Tvnz.rt zz ib* s^crmcial gronad, headed bj the - saints.
Tbt' 2Z s^ £::57:c£c=5 iac«neat cafled Mjaya, Rlna with
Va^ishih^ £5 v^'.I ^ oiber Maharshis at his head, and
sm- riZ:*d rj lis brrthers adorced with varioos omamentSi
wbr hii 2" r*r:rr=:e-£ ibe rites relative to their noptiab,
,'=rrr:^cr.e£ ih* e=:r*r:ce of the sacrificial ground). Then
the v^c^^b'^:.:I V.&5:shtha. coming unto Vaideha, spake as
follows. — "Ki-g Dacaratha, O foremost of sovereigns-^that
chief ai:::'::g :he best of men — accompanied with his sons,
wba have performed ail the rites rebtive to their nnptiabi
stayeih the criers of the bestower (of the bride) ; for tkc
meeting of the giver and the receiver is indispensable to
everv transaction ^of this natare\ Do thou therefore main-
tain thy merit by accomplishing this excellent nuptial
ceremony/' Thus addressed by the high-souled VasishthSi
that exceedingly generous and energetic one versed in
moraliiy answered, saying, — *'\\Tio acts as my warder there?
And whose commands doth he stav ? And what need of
exercising judgment in entering one's own house? As
this kingdom is mine, so it is verily thine. O foremost of
anchorets, my daughters resembling flames of fire, harinf
performed all the rites relative to the incoming nuptials, are
at the foot of the dais ; and, sitting beside the dais, I myself
had been expecting thee every moment. Do thou perform
everything without let. What need of delaying further?"
Hearing those words uttered by Janaka, Da^aratha entered
in together with his sons and the body of saints. Then unto
the king of the Videhas, Vasishtha spake as follows,— •*0
saint, do thou, O pious one, in company with the saiatSi
perform, O master, the nuptial ceremonies of Rftma charmnig

bXlakXndam. 1 6;

unto all." Thereupon, saying, — "So be it" unto Janaka, the
worshipful saint Vasishtha of mighty austerities with Vi9W§-
mitra and the pious Sat&nanda in his front,constructed a dais
agreeably to the scriptures, decking it out with fragrant
flowers all around, and golden ladles, and variegated water-
pots, and platters with ears of barley, and censers filled
with Dkupa^ and conchs, and sacrificial spoons, and vessels
furnished with Arghyas^ and those containing fried paddy,
and sanctified Akshatas. And over the dais, Vasishtha with
due mantras and rites spread an awning consisting of Dar-
vas of equal proportions. And with prescribed rites and
mantras placing fire upon the dais, the highly energetic one
commenced upon offering oblations. Then bringing Sita
adorned with various ornaments near the fire, and placing'
her before Raghava, king Janaka addressed the enhancer of
Kau9alya's joy, saying, — "This SitS, my daughter, do thou
accept, good betide thee, as thy partner in the observance o£
every duty : do thou take her hand by thine. May she be of
exalted piety, and devoted to her husband ; ever follow-
ing thee like thy shadow !" saying this, the king sprinkled
Rama's palm with water sanctified with inantras ; with the
celestials and saints exclaiming, — "Excellent ! Excellent T'
And the celestial kettle-drums sounded, and blossoms began
to shower down copiously. Having thus given away his
daughter SitSL, with water and mantras^ king Janaka overflow
ing with delight, said, — "Come forward, O Lakshmana, good
unto thee. Receive thou Urmila ready to be bestowed by
me upon thee. Do thou accept her hand: let there be no delay
about it." Having addressed Lakshmana thus, Janaka spake
unto Bharata, saying, — "Do thou, O descendant of Raghu,
take Mandavya's hand by thine own." And the righteous
lord of Mithila spake also unto Satrughna, saying, — "Do
thou, O thou of mighty arms, take Srutakirti's hand by thine
own. May ye all be good, and vowed unto excellent life !
and be, ye Kikutsthus, ye united with your wives. Let there

i63 RXAIAYaNA.

be no delay about it." Hearing Janaka's speech, those four
perpetuators of Raghu's linei staying by Vasishtha's opinioDSi
taking the hands of the four brides with their owif| went
round the sacrificial firej and the dais, and the king, and the
high-souled saints ; and in company with their wives, agree*
ably to direction entered into matrimony in accordance with
the ordinance. And there was a mighty shower of shining
blo;»som.s from the firmament accompanied with the sounds
of ccicbtial kettld-drums, and choiring and instrumental
music. And the ApsarSs danced and the Gandharbas sang
melodiously, at the bridal of the foremost of the Raghus.
And this seemed wonderful to witness. And to the blowing
of trumpets, those exceedingly puissant ones^ thrice going
round the fire, in company with their wives went to the
encampment. And the king,having seen that all the auspicious
ceremonies were performed, went in their wake, accompanied
by the sages and his adherents.

SECTION LXXIV.

*<^*

Xhen when the night had passed away, the mighty
i/«/// Vi9wamitra, having greeted the monarch, set out for
the Northern mountains. And when Vi9W^mitra had gone
away, king Da^aratha, greeting MitbiU's lord, Vaidehai ac*
tivcly prepared for setting out for his own capital. And
then the king of the Videhas gave a dower consisting of
various things. And Mithil^'s lord gave many hundred
thousands of kine, and excellent woolen stuffs, and Koiis of
common cloths ; and elephants, and horses, and cars, and
foot men, as well as an hundred damsels adorned, endoir*
cd with elegance, to form goodly waiting-maids. And well*
pleased the king gave as a noble dower gold and silver
and pearls and coral. And having given divers kinds of

BlLAKlNDAM, 169

articles, that king, the lord of MithilS, bidding adieu to the
monarch (Da^aratha), re-entered his own capital. And the
master of AyodhyS accompanied with his high-souled sons,
and headed by the saints in a body, started on the journey,
followed by his army and attendants. And as that tiger-like
one was on his way, in company with Raghava and the saints,
the fowls began to utter frightful cries all around, and the
beasts on earth to stream in a Southern direction. And behold-
ing them, that tiger like monarch asked Vasishtha, saying, —
'Those birds of fierce aspects emit frightful cries and beasts
stream in a Southerly direction. What is this ? My heart
trembletb and my mind is not at ease." Hearing the speech
of king Da^aratha, that mighty saint spake sweetly, say-
ing, "Hear what would be the result of it. These fowls of
the air by their cries presage some dreadful impending evil 5
but these beasts betoken peace restored. Therefore do thou
renounce anxiety." And as they were thus conversing, there
blew a strong wind, shaking all the earth, and breaking down
the trees. And a deep gloom enveloped the sun ; and no
quarter could be discovered. And enveloped in ashes, that
bo&t became stupiBed. And at that dreadful hour, Vasishtha
and the other saints and the king with his sons alone retained
their senses, all else were deprived of their senses, and the
army was enveloped with ashes. And the king saw that
repressor of kings, the decendant of Bhrigu, Jamadagni's son,
dreadful to behold, wearing a head of matted locks, irre-
presible like unto Kaila9a, and unbearable like unto the
fire at the universal dissolution, flaming fn energy,
incapable of being looked at by the unrighteous, with his
axe on his shoulder, equipped with a bow like unto the light-
ning, and fierce arrows, looking like Siva the slayer of
Fripura. And beholding him of dreadful appearance like
unto flaming fire, the Vipras headed by Vi^vSmitra, engaged
in reciting mantras and offering oblations unto the fire, —
those saints assembled together — began to converse with
22

«70 RXMli'ANA.

«ach other., saying, — ''Is this one, enraged because of the
slaughter of his sire, intent upon exterminating the Ksha-
triyas 7 Formerly, having slaughtered the Kshatriyas, he
pacified his ire and mental ferment, — therefore, to annihU
late the Kshatriyas once ag.iin can never be his endeavour."
Having said this, the saints offered Arghya unto Bhrigu's
son of dreadful appearance \ and addressed him in soothing
words, saying, — "O Rima ! O Rama." Accepting that
homage rendered unto him by the saints, that puissant one,
J^madagni's son, R^ma, addressed RSLma, the son ol
Da^aratha.

SECTION LXXV.

Rama, son of Da9aratha, I have, O hero, heard of
thy wonderful prowess ; and I have also heard all about thy
breaking of the bow. And having heard of that wonderful
and inconceivable breaking of the bow, I have bent my steps
hither, taking another auspicious bow. Do thou
stretch it, fix the arrow upon this mighty and dreadful boWi
belonging to Jamadagni ^ and thus display thy prowess.
Then, having witnessed thy might in stretching the bow, I
shall offer thee combat, laying under contribution our utmost
•strength." Hearing his words, king Da9aratha with a blank
countenance, and clasped hands, said, — "Thou hast quenched
thy ire against the Kshatriyas; and,moreover, thou art a Biih*
mana boasting of high austerities. It therefore behoveth thee
to dispel the fears of my sons who are boys. Thou briugest
thy life from the race of the Bhargavas engaged in observing
vows, and studying the Veda ; and thou hast renounced arms
vowing in the presence of the thousand-eyed one. And
embracing a life of righteousness, thou didst confer the
earth upon K&^yapa ; and repaired to the forest, making the

BlLAKlNDAM, i/r

Mahendra hill thy home. O mighty Mum\ thou hast come
here to compass the destruction of my all ; but if RSmabe
slain, we shall never live." Thus addressed by Da^aratha,
the powerful son of Jamadagni, disregarding his words, thus
addressed Rama, — **These two foremost of bows, extraordi-
nary, and worshipped of all the worlds, and stout, and power-
ful, surpassingly excellent, were constructed with care by
Vi9wakarma. And, one of these, O foremost of men, for
the destruction of Tripura, the celestials gave unto Tramvaka,
desirous of encounter, — even that which, O Kakutstha,
thou hast snapped. And this second, which is irrepressible,
was given to Vishnu, by the chiefs of the celestials. And,
O Rima, this bow belonging unto Vishnu, capable oi conquer-
ing hostile citres, is, O Kakutstha, equal in energy unto the
bow belonging unto Rudra. Once on a time the deities, with
the object of ascertaining the respective prowess of Vishnu
and the blue-throated one, asked the great father, about it.
Thereupon the great father,foremost of those abiding by truth
—reading the intention of the deities, fomented a quarrel be*
tTveen them. And upon that quarrel breaking out among the
deities, there took place a mighty contest capable of making*
one's hair stand on end, between Vishnu and the blue-throated
one, each burning to beat the other down. Then on Vishnu ut^
tering a roar, Siva's bow of dreadful prowess became flaccid.
And thereupon the three-eyed MahSdeva became moveless.
And upon the assembled gods with the saints and the Charanas
beseeching those two foremost of celestials, they became
pacified. And upon beholding that bow of Siva rendered
flaccid by Vishnu's prowess, the deities with the saints ac-
knowledged Vishnu as the more powerful. And the enraged
Rudra of high fame made over the bow along with its
shafts unto the hands of the RSjarshi, Devarata of Videha.
And, O R§ma. this bow belonging to Vishnu, capable of con-
quering hostile cities, Vishnu consigned to Bhrigu's son,
Richika, as a worthy trust. And the exceedingly energetic

171 RAMtYANA,

Richika made over the divine bow unto his son of immeasor*
able prowess, my sire the high-souled son of Jamadagni.
And once on a time, on my sire surcharged with ascetic
energy, renouncing the bow, Arjuna, under the influence of
unrighteous sentiment, compassed the death of my father.
Thereupon, learning of the lamentable and untoward slaugh*
ter of my sire, I from ire, annihilated the Kshatriyas, spring-
ing up afresh by numbers, then bringing under sway the
whole earth, I, O Rama, on the sacrifice being over, confer-
red it upon the righteous Ka^yapa as Dakshina, Having
made this gift, I was dwelling in the Mahendra hill equipped
with ascetic energy, when, hearing of thy snapping of the
bow, I have speedily come hither. Do thou now, O RAnii«
agreeably to the cannon of the Kshatriya morality, take
this excellent and mighty bow of Vishnu, that had belonged
to my father and grand-father. And do thou set upon this
best of bows an arrow capable of conquering hostile cities.
And, O Kakutstha, if thou succeed, I shall then offer tbee
combat."

SECTION LXXVI.

JlLeARING J^madagni's words, the son of Dayarathai
in consideration of the presence of his father, said these
words in subdued tone, — *'0 Bhrigu's son, I have heard
of the deeds thou hast performed, resolved on avenging tby
sire. O BrcLhmana, I acknowledge that. But, O Bhirgavai
thou insultest me abiding by the Kshatriya duties, as pusil-
lanimous or devoid of prowess. Do thou to-day witness my
energy and vigor." Saying this, the enraged RAghava,
endowed with fleet vigor, took up Bhrigu's noble bow, to-
gether with the shaft, from his hand. And: fixing the string
upon it he set the arrow. And then R&ma enraged addreMed

BlLAKlNDAM. 173

Jamadagni's son, Rama, saying, — "Thou art a Brahmana and
through VigwSLmitra, art worthy of my homage. Therefore it is,
O R&ma,that I cannot let go this life-destroying shaft. Which
of these shall I reduce to aught, O Rama, — thy aerial
course, or the merit thou hast attained through thy asce-
ticism of ascending unto certain incomparable regions ?
This celestial arrow sprung from Vishnu, capable of con-
quering hostile towns, never hiteth fruitless, with energy
destroying the pride of prowess of foes." And with the
object of beholding Rima holding that foremost of weapons,
there assembled in a body the celestials and the saints,
with the great father at their head. And the Gandharbas
and the Apsaras and the Siddhas and the Charanas and the
Kinnaras and the Yakshas and the Rakshasas and the Nagas
assembled to behold that mighty wonder. And on BhSrgava's
energy having passed into Rama bearing that best
of bows, Jamadagni's son became bereft of prowess,
and R&ma (ParafurSma) kept steadily eying R§ma. And
rendered inert in consequence of his energy having been
dispelled by Rama's own, Jamadagna mildly addressed Rima
of eyes like lotus petals, saying, — **When formerly I gave
away the earth unto K§9yapas he said unto me, — 'Thou
must no longer stay in my dominions. And in consonance
with the words of my spiritual guide, ever since that time I
have never spent a night on earth. Even this had been
promised by me, O Kakutstha. Therefore, O hero, it
behoveth thee not to destroy my course, O descendant of
Raghu. With the speed of the mind shall I now wend my
way to the Mahendra, best of hills. And, O R5ma, the
regions I have conquered by my asceticism do thou destroy
with that foremost of arrows : let there be no delay about it.
Even from thy handling of this bow I know thee to be the
chief of the celestials even that eternal one, the slayer of
Madhu. Hail to thee, O vanquisher of foes I And all these
celestials assembled are beholding thee, of unparalleled

174 RAmIYANA,

deeds, and without an antagonist in fight. — And, O Kakuts-
tha, ijeither ought I to be ashamed (because of this discom-
fiture) ; I have been baflled by the lord himself of the three
worlds. And it behoveth, O RSLma to disengage this
peerless shaft (from the bow), O thou — of noble vows ; and
on thy shooting the shaft, I shall repair to that foremost
of mountains, the Mahendra. When Jamadagni's son, R&ma,
had said this, the puissant and graceful son of Da^aratha
shot that, excellent arrow. And witnessing the destruction
by Rama of his regions earned by his own austerities,
Jamadagni's son speedily started for that best of mountains,
the Mahendra. And then all the quarters became cleared of
gloom ; and the celestials and saints fell to extol RSima
when he had shot the arrow. And that lord, Jamadagni's son
R§ma, having gone round RSma, the son of Da^aratha, and
honored (by all), set out (for his own quarters).

SECTION LXXVII.

W HEN RSLma had departed, Da^aratha's son the illus-
trious Rama, of serene soul, made over the bow unto the
hands of Varuna of immeasurable strength. Then saluting
the saints headed by Vasishlha, RSima, the descendant of
Raghu, seeing his father stupified, addressed him, saving,-*
"Now that Jamadagni s son Rama hath gone away, let the
four- fold forces maintained by thcc as their lord, march in the
direction of AyodhyS." Ilenring RSma's words, king Daft-
ratha embraced his son with his arms, and smelt R&ghava'l
crown ; and hearing that Rama ha<l gone, the monarch became
exceedingly delighted, — and considered himself and his son
as having attained a second birth. And he urged on his armyi
and speedily arrived at the city, graced round with standards
hearing pennons, and lovely to behold, and resounding with

bXlakAndam. 175

Uic sounds of trumpets, with its high-ways watered, and

•

beauteouSi and sprinkled around with flowers, crowded with
citizens looking cheerful on account of the king^s ap-
proach, bearing auspicious articles in their hands, and beau-
tified with the vast concourse of people. And receivc-.d by
the citizens as well as the regenerate ones inhabiting the
city coming forward a long way, and followed by his
graceful sons, the handsome Majesty of ilustrious name, en-
tered his own dear residence, like unto the Himilvat. And
entertained by his own relatives with all objects of enjoy-
ment, the monarch rejoiced exceedingly. And Kau9alya and
SumitrSL and the slender waisted Kaikeyi, together with other
wives of the king, were busy, receiving the brides, with the
necessary ceremonies. And the royal spouses received the
exalted Sita and the famous Urmila and both the daughters
of Ku9adhwaja, graced with silken apparel, with honias
performed and blessings invoked, on their behalf. And hav-
ing paid reverence at the abodes of the gods, and rendered
homage unto those that deserved the same, the daughters of
the kings, well pleased, in private, took joy with their hus-
bands. And having attained brides, and arms, with wealth
and friends^ those foremost of men, engaged in ministering
unto their father.

And once on a time that descendant of Raghu, king Da-
^aratha addressed Bharata, saying, — ^'O son, this son of the
king of the Kekayas thy uncle, Yudhajit stayeth here,
that hero, having come to take thee over." And hearing
these words of Da^aratha, Kaikeyi's son, Bharata, prepared
(or the journey, together with Satrughna. And having
greeted his father, and RSlma of unflagging energy, and his
mothers, that foremost of men, the heroic (Bharata) departed
with Satrughna. And having Bharata as well as Satrughna,
the heroic Yudhajit, with a delighted heart, entered his own
city ; and his father rejoiced exceedingly. And on Bharata
having departed, Rlima and the exceedingly mighty Laksh-

176 Ri, MAY AN A.

mana, tended their sire resembling a celestia], Aad [
the utmost regard to the command ot his father, RSma di«> |
charged all the duties oE the city, having for his object the |
pleasure or welfare (of the citizens). And heedfuliy rcDderiD^
every service to his mothers, he on proper occasions obaenr-
ed the duties pertaining to his superiors. And Da^aratba
was exceedingly delighted ; as also the Brlhmanas, and the
traders, and the inhabitants generally, at the conduct and be-
haviour of R3ma. And Rima having truth for prowess, hj
virtue of his excellence appeared unto every one the most
meritorious of (Da^aratha's son's) like unto the self create
HimseU unto all being. And in the company of SitS, the
wise Rama, bending his mind to Sita,with his heart dedicated
unto her, passed many a season in delight. And Rftma's
beloved Sit&, as having been bestowed upon him by his sire,
by her loveliness, and her perfections as much as by her
loveliness, went on enhancing his joy. And her lord came
to excercise a double influence on her heart. And by her
onn heart, the daughter of Janaka, MilliilS's lord, reseinbliag
a goddess in grace, and like unto Sree (goddess of wealtIO
herself in loveliness, completely read his inmost sentiments*
And experiencing delight, R£ma, receiving the Rijanbi's
daughter, exercising her own will — the excellent princess-
looked graceful, even like the lord Vishnu the chief of
celestials on being joined with Sree.

J rODH yAj^ANDAM 1 8 1

than myself. Therefore in this a^e, beholding my son estab-
lished in (the dominion of) this entire earth, I shall repair
unto heaven." Seeing him (R5ma) thus crowned with all
these various as well as other sterling and immeasurable
virtues rare among other princes, the king then took coun-
sel with his ministers, and made up his mind to confer upon
RSma the dignity of heir-apparent. And that intelligent
(king) mentioned (unto his minister) the dreadful evils por-
tended by appearances and phenomena in heaven and the
air and on the earth ; and also pointed out the circumstance
of decrepitude having taken possession of his person. He
therefore gave them to understand that the installation of
the high souled RSima of countenance resembling the full
moon would dispell his grief, at the same time that it would
be universally hailed by the people. Therefore, influenced by
his affection (for his subject,) and with the view of compass-
ing his own as well as their welfare, the righteous monarch
urged expedition (upon his counsellors ;) and that lord of
earth brought together the prime and noble from the Various
regions and countries of the earth. Like unto PrajSpati's
self before all creatures, the king appeared before them, who
had been received respectfully, and had, as befitted their
ranks, various ornaments conferred upon and quarters as-
signed unto them. But that lord of men did not, on account
of haste,bring over either Janaka or the king of the Kekayas,
concluding that a little while after they would receive the
glad tidings.

Then when the king — that captor of hostile capitals — had
sat down there, began to pour in all the princes popular
with their subjects — all save ( the two afore-mentioned
rulers.) Facing and eying the monarch, those kings sat
them down on different seats pointed out by the former.
Surrounded by those prime and noble of the various
provinces, and all those lowly rulers, who had been received
honorably and who generally resided at AyodhyS, the so-

i82 RAmIFANA.

vcreign appeared like unto the adorable thousand-eyed (one)
surrounded by the immortals.

SECTION I I.

JLhen facing his whole court, that lord of earth, the
king, resounding all sides as if with thunder, in a mighty
voice, echoing, and solemn, and like unto the sounds of a
kettle-drum, spake words fraught with welfare, and capable of
creating high rapture,and worthy of the attention of all.And in
tones overflowing with royal signs; and mellifluous; and peer-
less ; and surcharged with the sentiment of surprise, the mon-
arch addressed the princes, saying, — '*It is known to ye that
the (people of this) spacious empire now governed by me was
governed like unto children by those sovereigns that were my
predecessors. Now it is my intention to bring welfare unto
this entire earth worthy of being rendered happy, which
had been governed by all those sovereigns, Ikshw&ku and
the rest. Following the path trod by my predecessors,
I have, heedless of my own happiness, to the best of my
power, always protected the people. And under the shade of
the white umbrella, I effecting the good of the entire commu-
nity, have brought decrepitude upon my body. Having at-
tained an age extending over many thousands of years, and
lived for a long period, desire rest for this decrepit frame.
Bearing in the interests of the people the heavy burden of duty
incapable of being borne by even thgse that have controlled
their senses, and requiring (in the bearer) right royal qualities,
I have become fatigued. I therefore wish for rest, after in the
interests of the subjects installing my son,with the permission
of all these excellent twice-born ones around me. My worthy
son, like unto Purandara himself in prowess — R&ma, the con*
quercr of hostile cities, hath been born, endowed with all

A YODHYIkXNDA M. 1 83

my virtues. Him,like unto the moon while in conjunction with
the PushyS constelletion — the foremost of those maintaining
righteousness, the chief of men, will I, in the morning with a
delighted heart, install as the heir-apparent to the throne.
And that auspicious elder brother of Lakshmana* will make
a fit ruler for ye, — yea, the very three worlds might con-
sider themselves as having a lord, by possessing him.
Through his agency I shall this day bring about the welfare
of the world ; and shall renounce my toil by reposing in him
the task of government. If what I have devised be meet, and
also recommend itself to ye, do ye accord approval to it, —
proposing what I am to do besides this, together with the
how of effecting it. If I have thought thus solely because I
find delight in it, do ye look about any other way to welfare.
For different is the thought of the dispassionate 5 and by fric-
tion becomes far more efficacious.''t

As the king had said this, the princes, exceedingly de-
lighted, seconded him even as peacocks dance at sight of a
mighty mass of clouds showering down rain. Then there
arose a pleasant resonance (from the assembly of the potent-
ates j) and next from the vast concourse inspired with high
rapture arose an echo generated by their voices, which
seemed to shake the earth. Then being in complete possess-
ion of the views of that one (the king) versed in morality
and interest, the BrSlhmanas and the principal personages of
the army, in company with the citizens and the inhabitants
of the provinces, took counsel together, and became un-
animous,— and, having again revolved the matter individually
in their mind, spake unto the aged king Da^aratha, saying, —
"O. king, being many thousand years old, thou last become

* There is an alliterative beauty here in the original Lakshmivdn Laksh-
managraja ; which of course is impossible to be retained in the translation. — T.

t This is Mill's principle of free and equal discussion so lucidly upheld in
his Liberty, The meaning in the text is obscurely expressed. The thought of the
disspassionate is different from that of the passionate ; and truth comes out
from the friction of the two opposite forces » — T,

i84 RlMlFANA.

aged. Do thou then Install R§ma as the beir-apparent to
the throne. We wish to behold the exceedingly itroD^ and
mighty-armed hero among the Rlghus, riding a huge ele-
phant, his countenance underneath an umbrella." Hearing
those welcome words />f theirs, the monarch, -as if not know^
ing their minds, asked them, saying, — "Ye have wished for
Raghava, soon as ye have heard my speech. This, ye kiogS|
raiseth my doubts. Do ye, therefore, speak out your minds
truly. Why, while I am righteously governing the eartb|
do ye wish to see the highly powerful RSma as the heir-ap-
parent ?" And those high-souled ones together with the
citizens and the inhabitants of the provinces said unto him,
— ''O king, many are the virtues of thy son, having for their
object the welfare of the people. To-day we will recount
unto thee in detail the merits making even enemies happy
of the meritorious and intelligent (RSLma) resembling a celes-
tial. O monarch, furnished with the choicest qualities, RAma
having truth for prowess is like unto SakrSL's self ; and he
towereth above IkshwUku and all. RSlma is the one excellent
person among men ; and is true and devoted to truth. And
in very Rama is established morality with prosperity. Touch-
ing the good of the subjects, he is like unto the moon, and
in the quality of forgiveness, he is like unto the Earth ; in
intelligence like unto Vrihaspati ; and in prowess like Sachi's
lord. He is cognizant of duty, and true in promise,—
and honest ; and not given to detraction. He is for^
giving, and soothing, and sweet-speeched and grateful,
and of subdued senses. He is pliable to entreaties and staid,
and of agreeable carriage, and uncalumniating. Rftghava
speaketh everyone fair, and is of truthful speech. He
minstercth unto variously-versed aged BrSlhmanas. It b
for this that in this world his fame and renown and energy go
on increasing. He hath mastered all the weapons that
are extant among the gods, the Asuras, and human beings.
He hath performed his ablutions after having acqtured

AYODHYlKltlDAM. 185

learning; and knoweth the Vedas wkh their branches. And
Bbarata's elder brother is a proficient in music. He is
the home of the good, and is saintly, and bath conquered his
grief, and is magnanimous. He is lowly unto those twice
born ones that are worthy and are conversant with morality
and interest. And when in company with Sumitra's son he
wendeth to the fight with the view of protecting a city or a
province, he cometh not back without conquering the foe.
And even as a father enquireth after the welfare of his sons,
he, returning from the field on horse or elephant, exhaustively
and consecutively enquireth after the weal of the citizens,
concerning their sons, or their (sacrificial) fire, or their
wives, or their servants, or their disciples. And that tiger-
like R&ma always asketh the BrShmanas, — 'Do your disciples
tend you' and the Kshatriyas — *Do your disciples always
remain mailed 7 When calamity befalleth the people, he
experienceth excess of sorrow ; and on their festal occasions,
he rejoiceth ever like their own father. He speaketh
the truth, and is a mighty bowman. He ministereth
unto the aged, and hath controlled his senses. He.
preludes his speech with a smile, and is established in right-
eousness with his whole soul. He entirely bringeth about
good, and he taketh no delight in bandying words after a
quarrel. In reasoning in chain, he is like unto the lord
of speech himself. His eye-brows are graceful ; and his
eyes expansive and coppery ; and he is like unto the very
Vishnu. Like Kama he is charming unto all by virtue of his
heroism, prowess and might. He is ever engaged in
protecting the people : and the desire for the good things
of the world cannot perturb his mind. He is capable
of bearing the burden even of the three worlds, — what then
is this Earth ? Neither his pleasure nor his displeasure
even goeth for naiight. He slayeth those that deserve
to be slain ; but he is never enraged with those that
ought not to be slain {i.e. the unoffending), — with whom,

A YODHYlKlNDAM. i ^^

.^'Exceedingly plea^d am I, and incomparable also is my
Jofluencei — ^because ye wish to behold my dear first born
installed as heir-apparent/' Having greeted them thus, the
king in their hearing Spoke unto Vasishtha, Vamadeva, and
other BrSihmanas sayings — "This is the holy month
of Chaitra; and the groves look beautiful with blossoms. Do
ye now prepare for the installation of Rama." When the
king paused, there arose a mighty tumult from the
multitude. And when it subsided, that lord of men, the
king, addressed that foremost of ascetics, Vasishtha
saying,—** It behoveth thee, O worshipful Sir, to order
for things, necessary for the installation of Rama."
Hearing those words of the monarch, Vasishtha — chief of
anchorets — ordered the counsellors staying before the king
with clasped hands, saying,— **Do ye early in the morning in
the Agnihautric ball of the moilareh provide and store up-
gold, and gems, and articles for worship, and Sarvaushadhi*
and white garlands, and fried paddy, and honey and clarified
butter in separate vessels, and cloths fresh from the
loom, and a car, every kind of weapons, and the fourfold
forces, and an elephant with auspicious marks, and a
couple of chowris, and a sceptre and an umbrella, pale
colored, and an hundred furnished golden pitchers of water,
and a bull with horns plated in gold, and an entire
tiger-skin, together with all othet necessary aiticles. And
do ye embellish all the door-ways of the inner apartment as
well as those of the entire city with garlands, with sandal
paste and fragrant Dhupa, Do ye on the morning
of the morrow bestow upoA the principal Brahmanas
goodly and refined rice mixed with curds and milk. — so that
hundreds of thousands may be fed, and gratified, bestowing
on them at the same time clarified butter and curds, and
fried paddy, and moire than sufficient DakshivMs. To-morrow

* Consists of Mufd Valerian and such like drugs. — T.

1 88 RXmIVANA.

as soon as the sun will rise, the Swasiivacbana^ will be
finished. Do ye invite the Brahmanas, and prepare seats
(for them). And do ye set up flags, and water the high ways,
and let courtezans whose profession is music, adorning
themselves stay in the second apartment of the king's
residence. In the abodes of the gods and under the
Chaityat trees, should be separately placed fragrant hlossoms,
together with boiled rice and other edibles, and with
Dakshinas. And let the warriors properly arrayed, enter the
courtyard of the monarch which is welling up with festal glee
mailed; and accoutred with leather fences and long swords."
Having issued these orders, those two Vipras entered upon
their work (as priests ;) and did what remained to be done
after making that known unto tlie lord of the earth. When
everything had been got ready those foremost of the twice-
born ones gladly and well-pleased presented themselves
before the master of the earth, and said unto him, "Every-
thing as ordered has been done." Then unto Sumantra, the
effulgent monarch spake, saying, — "Do thou speedily bring
the virtuous Rama hither.*' Thereupon saying, "so be it/'
Sumantra al the mandate of the king brought thither in a
car Rama the foremost of car- warriors. The kings of the
North, and the South and the East and the West, together
with the Mlcchas and the Arya princes, with those
inhabiting mountains and forests were then pa}*ing
homage unto him (Da^aratha) even as the celestials do
unto V^sava. Stationed in his palace, the royal saint
Da^aratha in the midst of those princes, like Vftsava in the
midst of the Maruts, saw his son, resembling the king of the
Gandharvas, approach, gladdening the subjects like a shower.
when they were oppressed with the heat of summer— even

* A religious rite, preparatory to any important ceremony, in which th#
Brahmanas strew boiled rice on the ground, and invoke the blessidgB o( tht
gods on the rites about to commence. — T.

t The religious fig.-=T.

A rQDHyAKlNDAM. 189

RSma of redoubtable prowess among men, long armed, and
of mighty strength, and bearing the gait of a mad elephant,
ifvith a countenance fair as the moon, of presence prepossess-
ing to a degree, *and captivating men's sight and hearts by
reason of his beauty generosity aiid other qualities. And as
he was approaching, the lord of men eyed him steadily,
without experiencing' satiety.

Making Rftghava descend from that excellent car,
Sumantra followed him with clasped hands as he proceeded
to the presence of his father. Accompanied with Sumantra,
Rlghava, the descendant of the Raghus, for the purpose of
beholding the monarch, began with rapid steps, to ascend
the palace resembling a peak of the Kailasa-Iiill. Rama
humbly approaching his father with clasped hands, and
announcing his name bowed low and worshipped his father's
feet. Thereupon seeing RlLma at his side with clasped hands,
and in lowly guise, the king took hold of Rama's clasped
hands, and drawing his beloved son, embraced the latter.
Then the king desired Rama to sit upon a seat prepared
expressly for him, excellent, and flaming and garnished
with gold and gems. RSghava shed lustre on that noble seat,
as the unclouded sun at his rising lighteth up the Sumeru
hill with his rays. That entire assembly looked beautiful
in his presence, like the cloudless, autumnal sky crested
with stars and planets, in the presence of the moon. The
king experienced delight, beholding his dearly beloved
son, like unto his own image, richly adorned, reflected on
mirror. And even as Ka9yapa addresseth Indra of the
celestials, the king — the best of those possessing sons —
addressed his son, well seated, in these words, saying. ''Born
of my eldest wife worthy of myself, thou crowned with the
best qualities, art my worthy son, O R^ma dear unto me.
Thou hast by thy virtues drawn unto thyself the hearts
of the people, therefore do thou during the conjunction of
the moon with the PushyS constellation, receive the office

190 RImXvANA.

of heir-apparent. Thou art by nature crowned with virtues.
Notwithstanding thy great virtues, I will,0 son, from afFectioQ
tell thee what is for thy profit. Practicing greater humility,
do thou constantly restrain thy senses. Do thou renounce the
ills that come through anger and lust. Replenishing thy
exchequer and arsenal do thou, acquainting thyself with the
state of things personally and otherwise, administer justice
and thereby enlist the affection of the courtiers and other
subjects; for the friends of him that swayeth the earth,
pleasing the people to his satisfaction, rejoice even as did
the immortals on obtaining ambrosia. Therefore, do thou,
O son, disciplining thyself thus address thee to thy task."
Hearing this, Rama's well wishers, ever doing his pleasure,
speedily going out, acquainted Kau^alya with everything.
Thereupon that foremost of her sex Kaugalya ordered gold
and kine and various kinds of gems to be given to the tellers
of the glad tidings. Then Raghava, having been honored by
the multitude and saluted the sovereign, ascended a car,
and repaired unto his shining residence. And the citizens,
hearing those words of the monarch, as if fraught with some
speedy good fortune unto them, made their obeisance unto
that lord of men, and repairing to their homes, with delighted
minds, worshipped the gods.

SECTION IV.

\V HEN the citizens had gone away, the king versed in
the time and place of ceremonies, after deliberating with his
counsellors fixed the time (of the installation.) And his con-
clusion was even this :"To-morrow the PushySL will be in ; and
to-morrow should my son, Rama of eyes like lotus-leaves be
installed as heir-apparcnf Then entering the inner apart*

AYODHrAKlNDAM. 191

■f^ent king Daparatha said unto the charioteer Sumantra,—
* • Do thou again bring R^ma hither." In response to those
"Virords, the charioteer again speedily went unto RSma's
«'csidence,for bringing him thither. His fresh approach having
\»een announced unto RSncia by the warders, the latter, filled
>iirith apprehension, became anxious. And bringing Sumantra
in, R&ma with eagerness said **Tell me fully the reason of
this' thy fresh visit." Thereupon, the charioteer told him, —
"The sovereign wisheth to behold thee. Thou hast known
the occasion ; and now decide whether thou wilt go thither
or not." Hearing the charioteer's speech^ RUma ^Iso in
haste repaired unto the king's palace, with the view of
aga>n beholding the lord of men. And on hearing of Ramans
arrival, king Daparatha made him enter his own chamber,
with the view of communicating unto him something
exceedingly agreeable. And immediately on entering
his father's residence, the graceful Raghava seeing his father
from a distance, bent low with clasped hands. Thereupon
raising Rama as he was bending down, and embracing him,
and pointing out a seat, the protector of the earth again
spake unto him,— '*0 Rama, enjoying at my will the good
things of life, I have grown old ; and have attained great
age. I have worshipped the deities by celebrating hundreds
of sacrifices with numerous Dakshinas and gifts of boiled
rice ; and incomparable on earth, thou hast been born
unto me for a son after my heart. I have given whatever
bad been wanted (by others) ; I have finished my studies,

0 foremost of men. I have, O hero, acted and enjoyed.

1 have been emancipated from my obligations unto the
celestials and saints, and the Pitris^ and the Vipras, and
myself.* And naught now remaineth to be done by me
save thy installation. Therefore it behoveth thee to do even

* Sacrifice, study, son, gift, enjoyment are the five means of clearing
the debts one owes to the celestials, the saints the pitris^ the vipras
and self.— T.

192 RlMlVANA.

what I say unto thee. To-day the subjects in a body have
expressed their desire of having thee for their sovereign.
Therefore, O son, I shall install thee as the heir-apparent.
O Raghava, to-night I have dreamt inauspicious dreams.
Stars with tremendous sounds, shoot by day, accompanied
with thunder-claps. The astrologers say that the star of my
life hath been invaded by those terrible planets, the Sun,
Mars, and Rahu. It generally happens that when such
signs manifest themselves, the king cometh by a terrible
calamity, and may meet with death itself. Therefore, O
Raghava, my thoughts change, be thou installed (in the
kingdom), for fickle is the mind of all creatures. To-day,
before meeting Pushya, the mooa has entered the Punarvasu
asterism ; and the astrologers say that to-morrow it will
certainly be in conjunction with PushySL. My heart
urgeth me to instal thee during the Pushy^ conjunction, so
Oh ! afflicter of foes, I shall instal thee to*morrow as heir-
apparent. Therefore do thou along with my daughter-in-law
commencing from sun-set, serving the prescribed restric-
tions, and lying down on a bed of Ku^a grass, spend
the night in fast. And let thy friends vigilantly protect
thee all around, for many are the impediments that happen
in affairs like this. In my opinion, during the interval
that Bharata is away from the city, should thy installation
be effected most opportunely j even though thy brother
Bharata ever stayeth entirely by the course of the honest ;
he followeth his elder brother ; and is righteous-souled ;
tender-hearted : and of subdued senses. But in my opinion,
the hearts of men are inconstant, — and, O Raghava, the hearts
even of the virtuous change by the action of the natural
impulses." Having been thus addressed in the matter of his
coming installation in the next day, Rama, with the king's
permission embodied in '*Go thou," greeting his father,
repaired unto his quarters. And entering his residence in
the interests of the installation ordered by the monarcbi he

AYODHVAKlNDAM. i93

iaimediately issued out, and went to the inner apartment of
his mQtlier. There, RSlma found his mother in the temple,
clad in silk, adoring the gods, and silently praying for his
royal luck. There, hearing of the welcome installation of
R&ma, h^d already come Sumitri, and Lakshmana and Sita
summoned (by Kau9alyl). Hearing of the installation of his
son in the office of heir apparent during the influence
of the Pushya, at that time, tended by Sumitra and
Sit^ and Lakshmana, there stood Kau^alya, meditating
the (triune) person Janarddana, through suspension of
breath. Rima, approaching and saluting her engaged in
auspicious observance, addressed her in excellent words,
cheering her up, — "O mother, by my father have I
been appointed to the task of governing the people. And,
agreeably to the desire of my father, to morrow will
take -place my installation. To-night Sita will fast
along with me. The priests have said thus ; and this
also hath been declared by my father. Do thou therefore
even to-day provide those necessary auspicious things that
will be required for myself and Vaidehi on the occasion of
the coming installation.''

Hearing of that for which she had ever wished, Kaugalya,
lier voice choking with the vapour begot of delight, addressed
Rama, saying, — "Rama, my child, be thou long lived ; and
may thy enemies find destruction ! Furnished with this
good fortune, do thou gladden Sumitra's as well as my own
relatives. Oh ! thou wast born under an auspicious star :
thou hast. O son, by thy virtues gratified thy sire Da9aratha.
Ah ! not unfruitful has proved my disinterested observance of
vow unto the lotus-eyed Person ; for this royal fortune of
the Ikshwaku race shall rest upon thee."

Having been thus addressed by his mother, R-ama looking
at his brother (Lakshmana), seated in humble guise with
clasped hands, with smile spake unto him, saying, — **0
Lakshmana^ do thou together with me rule this earth. Thou

i86 RAmIFANA.

he is pleased, he bestows wealth upon. In virtue of Ks
seU-controI and other qualities; dear unto the subjects and
capable of exciting the delight of mankind, R&ma shineth
even like the effulgent Sun surrounded by hts rays. And
eve\i that Rama, crowned with such qualities and haviog
truth for his prowess,— like unto a Lokap^ila, the Earth
wisheth to have for her lord. By our good luck it is that thy
son hath acquired competence in the task of administration ;
and also by thy good luck it i$ that R&ghava hath been
born endowed with sonly qualities, lik^ unto MSLricha's
son K5;:yapa. The gods, and the Asuras^ and men, with the
Gandharvas, and the Uragas, and the inhabitaots rural and
urban, pray for the strength, health, and long life of self-
knowing Rama. And whether inmates or outsiders, citizens
or natives of provinces, everyone speaks high of hini*
Women, old and young, in both the morning and cvcningt
with intent minds, bow down unto all the gods on behalf
of the intelligent RSlma. Let their desire, O worshipful one,
be fulfiled, through thy grace. And we would behold the son
of the foremost of monarchs, the foe-destroyinj Riffl*
dark-blue like a lotus, — installed as the heir-apparent to the
kingdom. Therefore, O bestower of boons, it behoveth thee,
for the sake of our well-berng, with a delighted mind to
speedily instal thy son furnished with noble qualities resembl*
ing the god of gods, and ever intent upon the welfare d the
entire community."

SECTION III.

■:00:'

J^ND when they had raised unto their heads their clasped
hands resembling lotuses, the king responding unto them
addressed them in welcome words fraught with their good ;

A rODH yUkIND am 195

like Nahusha installing Yay^ti.'' Having said this, that
pure spirited one, observing vows with mantras^ made
R&ma fast along with Sit§,. Then having been duly worship-
ped by RlLma, and taken Kakutstha's permission,
the spiritual preceptor orf the king, went away from
RSma's residence. Rama, having passed sometime
with sweet-speeched friends, and been honored by them,
with their permission entered his apartment. At that
time R§ma's residence was filled with joyous men and
women ; and it was like unto a lake containing lotuses and
graced with maddened birds.

( On the other hand ) Vasishtha^ issuing from the
palace of R§ma like unto the king's palace itself, found
the street filled with people. On all sides, Ayodhya*s
high-ways were crowded with groups of men full of
curiosity. The tumult that arose in the high- ways
ID consequence of the concourse and noise, was like
tlic roaring of the ocean. The streets were cleared and
washed and hung witli garlands ; and that day Ayodhya
had her dwellings furnished with upraised flagstaffs. In
th£ city of AyodhySL men with women and children eagerly
expected the rising of the sun (next day), and RSLma's ins-
tallation ; and the people burnt to behold in Ayodhya the
august festivity, that was like unto an ornament unto the
subjects, and that enhanced the joy of the people. Divid-
ing the crowd thronging the high-way, the priest slowly
proceeded to the royal family. And ascending the palace
like unto a peak of the Himavat, he met with the lord of men,
like Vrihaspati meeting with Sakra. Seeing him come,
the king rising up from his royal seat, asked Vasislitha
whether his intention had been carried out^ whereupon
Vasishtha answered that it had. The courtiers who had all
along sat with Da^aratha, rose from the seats, for worship-
ping the priest. Then with the permission of his spiritual
guide, leaving that assembly of men, the monarch entered

196 RiytAVANA.

his inner apartment like a lion entering his den. Even
as the moon illumineth the firmament crowded with stars, the
handsome king entered his mansion, like unto the abode of
the mighty Indra, and thronged with females excellently at-
tired,— gracing it (by his presence).

SECTION VI.

\V HEN the priest had gone away, RUma, having
bathed and with a collected mind, began to adore Nara-
yana, in company with his wife having expansive eyes. Then
raising the vessel of clarified butter unto his head (by way
of paying reverence), he in accordance with the ordinance
began to offer oblations unto the flaming fire on behalf of
that mighty deity. Then, having partaken of the remaining
quantity of the clarified butter^ Rama prayed for his own
welfare, and meditated on the god NUrayana. The son of the
best of men with a collected mind, and restraining his speech
lay down on a kuga bed together with Vaidehi within the
graceful dwelling of Vishnu.

When a single watch only remained of the night,
Rama awoke, and made his residence well decorated.
Now he hearing the melodious utterances of genealo-
gibits and panegyrists and Brahmanas versed iu the Puranas,
RSma finished devotions for the prior twilight, and
with an intent mind began to recite ( Sdvafri j* And
clad in a clear silk dress , he with bended head hymned
the destroyer of Madhu, and made the regenerate ones
perform the Swastivdchana ceremony. Already resounding
with the blares of trumpets, AyodhyS became filled with

* The celebrated hymn to the sun, the most sacred thing In all the
Vedas. — T,

A YODHYlKlNDA M, 197

the sweet and solemn tones of the expression '*Holy day"
uttered by them. The denizens of Ayodhya, hearing that
Raghava had fasted with Vaidehi, rejoiced exceedingly.

Then the citizens, hearing of the installation of Rama,
and seeing that the night had departed, fell to adorning the
city. Standards with pennons were beautifully reared up
in the abodes of the gods resembling a peak, enveloped
with white clouds, and at the crossing, and on high-ways ;
and over the chaitya tree ; and edifices ; and over the ware-
houses of merchants abounding in goods and the goodly
and prosperous mansions of householders \ and over all the
council-houses j and conspicuous trees. The multitude
then heard the music, soothing unto the ear and heart, of
stage managers, dancers and singers chanting. The people
began to talk with each other anent the installation of
Rima ; and the time for his installation having arrived, on
terraces and houses, and doorways boys playing in bodies,
conversed with each other concerning the installation of
RUma. On the occasion of the investiture of Rama, the
goodly high-ways were adorned with garlands,and scented with
dhupa incense — by the citizens. And fearing lest Rama should
come out over night (to behold the beautified capital), the
inhabitants of the city, by way of ornamentation as with the
view of beholding Rama himself, had by the road side reared
up lamp-3tands in the form of (branched) trees. Eagerly
expecting the investiture of Rama as the heir- apparent,
all having thus ornamented the city and assembling them-
selves on terraces and in council-halls, talking with
each other, extolled the lord of men, saying, — *'Ah
high-souled is this king — the perpetuator of the Ikshwaku
race ; for, knowing himself as old, he will install Rama in
the kingdom. Obliged we have been, since good Rama
capable of reading character, will be the lord of earth, and
our protector. He is of a heart devoid of arrogance, and
is learned ^ and righteous-souled ; and affectionate to his

1 98 RAmXrASA,

brothers. RSLghava loveth us even as he doth bis oirn'
brothers. May the sinless and pious king Da^aratha live
long ; for it is through his grace that we shall behold R&ma
installed.'' The inhabitants of the provinces^ who having
heard the tidings, had come from various regions, heard the
citizens conversing thus. Desirous of beholding the instaHd-
tion of R§ma, they coming into the city from var'ous
directions, filled Rama's city. As the vast concourse
entered (the city)^ there was heard an uproar like unto
the roaring of the heaving ocean during the fullness of
the moon. Then that city resembling the regions
of Indra, being filled on all sides with tumult raised
by the dwellers of the provinces who had come to behold
(the installation)^ resembled the ocean when its waters are
agitated by the aquatic animals inhabiting it.

SECTIOM VII.

-.OO:-

A. WOMAN, brought up with Kaikeyi, who formerly served
as a maid-servant, the family of her maternal uncle, at her
own will, ascended the palace resembling the moon.
Manthara beheld from the'palace the high-ways of Ayodhyi
well watered all round, and strewn with lotuses, and adorned
with standards bearing gay pennons ; with thoroughfares and
roads leading along undulating lands ; sprinkled with sandal
water, and crowded with men who had performed their ablu
tions ; and echoing with the accents of regenerate ones
bearing garlands and sweetmeats in their hands ; and having
the doorways of the temples painted white ; and resoundinif
with the sounds of musical instruments ; and filled with
many folks ; and singing with Veda chantings ; and with
its horses and elephants delighted, and cows and bulls emit-

AYODHYlKlN'DAM. 199

ting roars ; and with standards displaying flags erected
by the exhilarated citizens. Upon seeing Ayodhya (in such
excitement) Manthara was seized with exceeding surprise,
MantharSL, seeing a nurse hard by clad in white silk, with
her eyes expanded with delight, asked her, saying, — "What
for R&ma's mother although close-fisted, is cheerfully and
with the greatest possible alacrity dispensing wealth unto the
people ? And what for is the general overflow of joy ? And
%vhat doth the delighted monarch purpose to do ?" There-
upon bursting with very great delight, the nurse communicat-
ed unto the hump-backed woman the high fortune awaiting
RSLma, saying, — "To-morrow under Pushya, king Da^aratha
will install the sinless Raghava having his anger under
control, as heir-apparent to the throne." Hearing the words
of the nurse, the hump-backed one, speedily growing
angry, descended from the edifice resembling a summit
of the Kaila9a hill. Burning in ire, the sin-seeking
MantharSL addressed Kaikeyi, lying down, saying, — **Up,
ye senseless one \ What for art thou down \ A great
danger approacheth thee. Thou understandeth not that a
mighty grief overfloweth thee. Thou boastest of good for-
tune while misfortune is thine in the shape of luck. Thy
good fortune is surely unstable like the tide of a river during
summer. Thus addressed by the sin-seeking hump-backed
(hag) in exceedingly harsh language, Kaikeyi became afflicted
with great grief. And Kaikeyi said unto the hump-backed
one, — "Is any evil present, O MantharS ? I do not find thee
with countenance fallen and sore distressed with grief." The
hump-backed Manthara, skilled in speech, who really sought
Kaikeyi's welfare, hearing the latter's sweet-accented words,
displaying sorrow greater than Kaikeyi's own, lamenting,
and enlisting Kaikeyi's feelings against RSima, uttered words
inflamed with anger, saying, — "O worshipful one, an en-
during and terrible destruction is imminent unto thee. King
Da^aratha will install Rama as heir-apparent. I have been

2CO RXiVXrANA.

sunk in a falhomlcss fear ; and am afflicted with grief and
heaviness. And as if burning in fire I, seeking, thy wel-
fare, have come unto thee. For, O Kaikeyi, great waxeth ray
grief on witnessing thy sorrow ; and my advancement
progresseth along with thine. There is no doubt about
this. Born in a race of king thou art the queen of this
lord of earth. Why dost not thou then realise the
sternness of royal morality. Thy maintainer speaketh
most morally ; but is crafty for all that : he speaketh
blandly, but hath a crooked heart. Him thou takest as of
blessed condition ; and therefore art gulled. Speaking
unto thee soft words bare of substance, he will, his heart on
the alert, to-day compass the welfare of Kau9alyS. Having
sent Bharata unto the home of thy relatives^ that wicked*
minded one will establish Rama in his ancestral kingdom
rid of its thorn. Thou,0 girl, in consideration of thy welfare,
hast like unto a mother taken unto thy lap a venomous snake
in the form of thy husband. Even what is done by an
enemy or a serpent left alone, is being done by Da9aratha
of wicked ways and false soothing speech, unto thee and
thy own son. And, O girl, deserving as thou art of happi-
ness, the king having established R&ma in the kingdom ;
thou wilt be annihilated along with thy own. The time hath
come, O Kaikayi, — do thou on the spur enter upon that which
would turn to thy advantage. And, O thou, influenced by
surprise, do thou deliver thyself, me and Bharata also."

Hearing Manthara's words, that one of graceful counte-
nance filled with delight, and looking like the autumnal
moon-light, rose up from her bed. Inspired with ex-
ceeding joy, Kaikeyi, struck with surprise, made unto the
hump-backed woman a present of an excellent and elegant
ornament. And having given her the ornament, that paragon
among the fair Kaikeyi joyfully, addressed Manthara,
saying,— "O Manthara t highly welcome is the news that
thou hast communicated unto me. And surely thou hast tpid

A rODHYlKlND AM. 201

me what is dear unto my heart, what shall I do for thee ?
Difference find I none between RSma and Bharata. Therefore
delighted am I that the king purposeth installing R§ma in
the kin'gdom. There is no other ambrosial speech that is
excellent and acceptable unto me, compared with the installa-
tion of RSlma. Therefore do thou ask of me whatever reward
dost thou want and I shall give thee.''

SECTION VIII.

JxLanthara, making Kaikeyi the object of her wrath,
threw off the noble ornament, and spoke these words, in anger
and grief, — "Thou senseless girl, wherefore dost thou display
thy joy on such an unfit occasion. Thou dost not see that
thou art in the bosom of an ocean of grief. Being grieved
at heart do I laugh at thee inwardly, O worshipful lady,
because thou having met with signal calamity, rejoicest even
in what should be lamented. I lament thee for thy perversion
of sense. What sensible woman can rejoice in the advance-
ment of a co-wife's son, like unto death itself ? From Bharata
proceeds Raima's fear concerning the kingdom to which both
have an equal claim. Thinking of this, I am pressed down
with sorrow, because fear proceeds from the person who fears
much. The mighty armed Lakshmana hath for certain in
all ways taken refuge in Rama; and Satrughna like unto
Lakshmana hath taken refuge in the Kakutstha, Bharata. With
reference to gradation of birth, the probability is in favor of
Bharata's attempting the kingdom ; yet by reason (of R&ma's
being the elder) of the two, Bharata hath been thrown off.
Anticipating the peril that might spring unto thy son from
R&ma^ learned and versed in the functions of the Kshatriya,
and of quick decision, I tremble. Surely Kau^alya is of blessed
fortune, for to-morrow under Pushya the foremost of the t wice-

202 rImXfana.

born ones will instal her son as the mighty heir-apparenc
unto the empire. Thou wilt^ with clasped hands, serve as
a slave the illustrious Kau9alya, mistress of the world, and
brimming over with joy, with all her foes discomfitted. Thus
along with us thou wilt attend her commands, and thy son
also will await the pleasure of Rclma. And R&ma's wives*
•together with their hand-maids will be filled with delight ;
and in consequence of Bharata's name, thy daughters* in-law
will be afflicted with sorrow."

Seeing Manthara dead set against R«Lma, and speaking
in this wise, the noble Kaikeyi praised the virtues of Rftma.
''Rama is cognizant of morality, and filled with perfections,
and accomplished, and grateful, and endowed with truth, and
pure. And as he is the eldest son of the king, he deserveth
the kingdom as heir-apparent. That long-lived one shall
maintain his brothers and his retainers even like a father.
Why then, O hump-backed one, do thou grieve, hearing
Rama's installation. And for certain, that foremost
of men, Bharata also, an hundred years after R&ma,
will attain the kingdom bequeathed by ^his father and
grand-father. O Manthara, thou burnest (with grief) in
this auspicious time. Our good fortune will come (after
this in the shape of Bharata's installation); why then dost thou
grieve. Surely Rama is dearer unto me than Bharata ; and he
also lovelh me more than he doth Kau9alya. And if the king-
dom be Rama's it will be also Bharata's at the same time.
Rama regardeth his brothers even as his own self."

Hearing Kaikeyi's words^ MantharSl exceedingly aggrievedt
sighing hot and hard, thus addressed Kaikeyi, saying,—
'^Regarding that to be evil which is thy good, thou dost not
through thy want of understanding know that thou art going
to be drowned in a sea of grief and peril. R^ghava will
become king, and after Raghava his son,— so that, O

* Historically Rama had but one wife. Manthara here anticipated that
Ranna would marry many wives like his father after the instalIatioD.-*7'.

A YODHVlKlNDAM. 203

Kaikeyi, Bharata will come to be at once cut off from the
royal line. O emotional one, surely all the sons of the
king do not obtain the kingdom. And if all were placed
on the throne, mighty would be the disturbance therefrom.
Therefore it is .that kings, O Kaikeyi, lay the task of
Government on the eldest son if worthy, or else upon a
younger most meritorious. This thy son, O affectionate one,
^ast off from the royal race, and deprived of happiness,
will fare like one forlorn. Thou dost not understand that
it is for thee that I am taking such pains; and it is
evident that thou dost not understand that I have come
to thee for thy good. Thou art conferring on me rewards
on the advancement of thy co-wife. For certain, Rama
having attained the kingdom without let, will send Bharata
either to a distant land, or to the other world. Bharata
is a mere boy, and by thee it is that he hath been sent unto
his maternal uncle's mansion. Even in immobile objects
attachment grows by virtue of nearness. Satrughna also
ever following Bharata hath gone with him. He is attached
unto Bharata as Lakshmana is attached unto RSLma. It is
heard that once upon a time the woodmen had intended to cut
down a tree ; but it was relieved from the high peril because
of the proximity of prickly shrubs around it. SumitrS's
son protects R&ma and RSghava protects Lakshmana.
Their fraternal love like that of the Aswins is celebrated
in the world. Therefore R§ma will never do any wrong
unto Lakshmana ; but he will do wrong unto Bharata, there
is no doubt about this. Therefore let that son of Raghu
be sent unto the woods from the palace. This pleasetb
me ; and this also is for thy supreme welfare ^ and in
this wise also will be realised the good of thy relations.
But if Bharata can get at his ancestral kingdom by just
means, that would also be welcome to thy kindred. That
boy deserving of happiness is the natural enemy of RSlma.
How can he live under the prosperous Rama being deprived

204 RlAllrANA.

of all wealth ? Therefore it behoveth thee to save Bhaiala
about to be overcome by RSma^ like a lion pursuing the
leader of an elephant herd in a forest. Thy co-wife, Rftma's
mother, had formerly through pride and good fortune been
slighted by thee. Why will not she upon thee wreak her
revenge now ? When RSLma will obtain the earth furnished
with many oceans and mountains, then, O proud dame,
thou rendered forlorn, w ilt along with Bharata, sustain sony
discomfiture. And when R2Lma will obtain the earth, Bharata
will certainly meet w^th destruction, therefore do thou ponder
as to how thou canst place thy son on the throne, and banish
thy enemy."

SECTION IX.

Xhus addressed, Kaikeyi, with her countenance flaming in
wrath, sighing hot and hard, spoke unto Manthar&, saying^—
"Even this very day will I speedily send Rftma into the
forest and without delay install Bharata in the royal heir-
apparentship. Do thou now see by what means I can effect
this. Bharata must obtain the kingdom and never Rlma."
Thus addressed by the noble one, the wicked-minded
Manthara, envious of R&ma's interest, thus spoke unto
Kaikeyi, — "Ah j O Kaikeyi, consider: Listen to my wordsi
telling thee how thy son alone will obtain the kingdom. Dost
thou not remember, O Kaikeyi, or concealest although remem-
bering, wishing to hear from me of the means for thy welfare
which thou thyself hadst before communicated unto me? \U
O dalliance loving damsel, it is thy wish to hear it as told bf
me, listen thou, I will tell it thee. And having heard it,
do thou act accordingly." Hearing MantharS's wordsi
Kaikeyi raised herself a little from her tastefully spread bed,
and said, — "Do thou tell me the means. By what means, O

A rODHyiKlNBAM 205

Mantharai Bharata will gain the kingdom, and in no wise
Rlma." Thus addressed by the worshipful one, the wicked-
minded MantharS, — envying Rama's interest, thus spoke unto
Kaikeyi : — "Formerly during the wars of the gods and Asuras,
thy husband taking thee along, went with the royal saints
for the purpose of assisting the king of the celestials.

0 Kaikeyi, in Dandaka, situated towards the south,
there is the city known by the name of Vaijayanta,
where dwelt Timidhvaja, otherwise called Samvara,
—possessed of an hundred conjurations, and a mighty
Asura. That unreproved one gave battle unto Sakra accom-
panied by the celestials. And in that mighty conflict the
RSkshasas during the night used to drag by main force persons
asleep having their bodies cut all over, and kill them. Then
King Da^aratha warred with the Asuras most heroically. And
that mighty armed one, O worshipful lady, losing his senses
in consequence of wounds received from weapons, was re-
moved from the field by thee. In that imminent danger, thy
husband, sadly cut by weapons, was preserved by thee.
Thereupon gratified, he, O, thou of gracious presence,
granted thee two boons. Whereupon thou didst say, — 'I shall
receive from my lord the boon whenever I shall wish.' There-
upon that high-souled one said, — *So be it.' I did not know
anything about this, O respected one ; and it was thou who
didst formerly communicate this (unto me). And it is because

1 bear affection unto thee that I have not forgotten it. Now
do thou forcibly make the monarch desist from installing
Rama ; and ask thy husband for these two boons, — the instal-
lation of Bharata, and the cfxile of RSlma into the woods for
fourteen years. On Rama having been banished into the
woods for fourteen years, thy son securing the affections of
subjects, will be firmly established (on the throne). Enterifig
the anger-chamber to day, do thou, O daughter of A^wapati,
clad in soiled garment, lie down on the uncovered floor.
Do not look at him, nor speak to him aught. Do thou on

2o6 RXMlyANA.

beholding the lord of the earth^over-whelmed with grief, weep

only. Thou hast always been the favorite wife of thy husband.

Of this I have not the least doubt. For thy sake the monarch

can enter into a flame. He can never anger thee, nor can

he eye thee when angered. For compassing thy pleasure

the king can renounce life itself. Therefore the monarch can

never set aside thy word. O senseless lady, do thou now

reflect upon the strength of thy good fortune. King Da^aratba

will offer thee rubies and pearls and gold and gems of various

kinds ; but do not thou bend thy heart to them. Do thou, 0

exalted dame, bring into Da9aratha's recollection the two

boons which he had granted thee at the time of the war between

the gods and Asuras, and thou shalt not fail to achiefC

thy objects. And when that descendant of Raghu, raising

thee will go to bestow the boons, do thou then binding

him fast by oath, unfold unto the monarch the boons,saying,—

'Send Rama unto the forest for nine and five years, and let

Bharata, becoming on earth the foremost of monarchs, carry

on the Government' And Rama having been banished for

fourteen years, thy son growing (in the interval) firm and fast,

will remain (on the throne) during the rest of his life. Do

thou, therefore, O worshipful one, demand even the banish*

ment of Rama ; for by this it is, O damsel, all interests will

be secured unto thy son. Thus banished Rclma will no

longer maintain possession of the hearts of the people ; and

thy Bharata with his foes put out, will be the king. By the

lime that Rama returns from the forest, thy son, thy prudent

son along with his friends, securing the hearts of the people

externally and internally, will have been firmly established on

the throne. Now is the time, I apprehend. Renouncing fear,

do thou forcibly make the monarch remove from his miud his

intention of installing R5ma."

Having been thus made to accept that for good which was
really evil, Kaikeyi, desirous of obtaining the boons, was filled
with delight. And at the words of the hump-backed woman,

AYODHVAKlNDAM. 207

it exceedingly beautiful Kaikeyi experienced the height of
prise, and betook herself to this wrong course, like a mare
ached to her young, (springing up after it). And she said
to MantharS, — "O excellent wench, O speaker of things
r, thy wisdom I do not dishonor. In ascertaining the pro-
ety or otherwise of actions, thou art the very first of hump-
cked women on earth. And ever intent on my interest,
)u seekest my welfare. I had not, O hump-backed one,
e this) apprehended the endeavours of the king. O hump-
cked one, there are many deformed, crooked and unsightly
imen (on earth) ; but thou alone down, lookest beautiful
e a lotus bent by the breeze. Thy breast weighed down by
^ hump, is high near the shoulders ; and beneath is thy
lly graced with a goodly navel, which hath grown lean from
ame (on holding the attitude of thy bust.) Thy buttocks
e spacious ; and thy breasts are firm. Thy countenance
like the bright moon, Ah ! O Manthara,how lovely dost thou
>k ! Thy hips are smooth, and is decked with chains ;
id thy thighs and legs are of large proportions. O Mantharaj

thou clad in linen garment, O graceful damsel, with
/ pair of spacious humps, thou goest before me like a she-
ane. In thy heart reside all those thousand-conjurations
ilonging to that lord of the Asuras^ Samvara ; and besides
ousands there are many more. Intelligence and policy and
njurations reside in thy elevated hump resembling the nave

a chariot- wheel. When Bharata hath been installed and
Slma gone to the woods, I will, O hump-backed one, furnish
y hump with a garland made, O beautiful one, of well
elted gold. And when I shall have attained my object and
I happy, I will smear thy hump with sandal paste. O
imp-backed one, I will prepare for thy face an excellent
laka of gold ; as well as other ornaments. Wearing elegant
)parel, thou wilt go about like a very goddess. With an
comparable countenance challenging the moon himself,
lou wilt attain pre-eminence, defying thy foes. Even as

2o8 RAmIFANA.

thou servest me, other hump-backed women adorned witl
every ornament will serve thy feet."

Thus praised by Kaikeyi, as she was lying down on a
white bed, like unto Hre upon the sacrificial dais, Manthari
addressed her, saying, — "O blessed one, when water has
flown out, it is not proper to set up a dyke. Arise. Do thy
welfare. Show thyself unto the king." Puffed up with the
pride of good fortune, that noble lady of expansive eyes thus
encouraged (by Manlhara), went with her to the anger-
chamber. (Having entered the chamber), that exalted lady
put off her pearl neck-lace priced at many hundreds and
thousands of gold, together with other elegant^ beautiful and
rich ornaments. Then sitting down upon the ground,
Kaikeyi, comparable unto gold, under the influence of
Manthara*s words, spoke unto her, saying— "Do thou, 0
hump-backed one, tell the monarch, that I am dead at this
place. On Raghava having gone to the forest, Bharata
will obtain the earth. I do not require gold, or gems, or
repasts ; this will be the end of my existence if Rlma be
installed." i

Again the hump-backed woman addressed Bharatas •
mother in exceedingly cruel language fraught with good unto
Bharata and evil unto R§ma, — **If RSghava attaineth the
kingdom, thou wilt surely grieve along with thy son. There-
fore, O blessed one, do thou strive so that thy son Bharata
be installed."

Thus momentarily pierced by the wordy shafts shot by
Manthara^ the queen exceedingly surprised, laying her band
on her bosom, wrathfully broke out, — "Either beholding me
gone unto the regions of Death, thou wilt apprize the king of
it, or Raghava repairing unto the forest for a long timti
Bharata will attain his desire. If R&ghava doth not repair
hence into the forest, I will not desire beds, nor garlandSj nor
sandal paste, nor colyrium, nor meat, nor drinks, nor life.**
Having said these cruel words, and thrown off every oni-

A rODH yAKXNDA M 209

ment, the wrathful dame lay down on the ground having no
covering, like* a fallen Kinnari. Casting away her excellent
garlands and ornaments with her countenance clouded with
the gloom of wrath, the King's wife became sunk in thought
looking like a sky enveloped in darkness, with the stars hid.

SECTION X .

Xhus perversely advised by the exceedingly wicked
Manthara, the noble and sagacious lady, influenced by passion,
having completely decided in her mind as to her course, was
lying down on the ground like a Kinnari pierced with poisoned
shafts, and gradually told everything unto Manthara. And
having made up her mind, that lady wrought up with ire,
being under the influence of Manthara's words,sighed hot and
hard like the daughter of a Naga ; and for a while reflected
on the way which was to bring her happiness.Then her friend
and well-wisher Manthara, hearing of her resolution, rejoiced
exceedingly, as if she had already secured success. And,
having fully ascertained h(^r course, that weak one being
angry, lay down upon the floor, knitting her eyebrows. The
ground was strewn with garlands and excellent ornaments
which Kaikeyi had cast away ; and they adorned the earth
as the stars adorn the welkin. Like aa enfeebled Kinnari
she clad in a soiled garment, binding fast her braid, lay
down in the anger-chamber.

The monarch having issued orders for the installation of
Rama,entered his inner apartment after giving permission to
the courtiers to repair to their respective abodes. "To-day
it has been fixed to install Rama, but Kaikeyi has not yet
heard of it" — thus thought the monarch. Therefore with
the view of communicating the welcome news unto that lady
deserving of good, (Kaikeyi), that renowned one of subdued

uo RlAllyANA.

senses entered the inner apartment. Like unto the moon
entering the sky covered with white clouds and with Rfthu
present in it, that one of high fame entered the excel*
lent apartment of Kaikeyi, having parrots and peacocks
and Kraunchas and swans, resounding with the sounds of
musical instruments, — containing hump-backed and dwar-
fish women, graced with houses containing creepers, and pic-
tures, and adorned with askokas and champakas^ furnished
with daises composed of ivory and silver and gold, and ad-
orned with trees bearing flowers and fruits always, and tanks,
having superb seats made of ivory, silver and gold \ rich with
various viands and drinks and edibles, with costly ornaments,
and resembling heaven itself ; and the prosperous monarch
having entered his own inner apartment did not see his dear
Kaikeyi on the excellent bed. The lord of men not seeing
his favorite wife, asked (within himself) and was struck
with grief. Never before this that noble lady spent that

•

hour ( at any other place ); nor had the monarch ever entered
the empty apartment. Then the king entering the apart-
ment asked (a sentinel) concerning Kaikeyi, not knowing that
that unwise woman was hankering after her self-interest, as on
previous occasions not finding her he used to ask. Thereupon
hurriedly and with clasped hands, the warder said,-"Worship*
ful sire, the noble lady exceedingly angry, hath repaired
unto the anger chamber." Hearing the warder's word, the
king exceedingly anxious, with his senses agitated and affiict-
ed, again grieved. There burning with grief, the lord off the
earth saw her lying down on the ground in an improper
guise. And the sinless aged (monarch) saw on the ground
his youthful wife dearer unto him than life itself, cherishing
an unrighteous intention, — like a torn creeper, and Ijring
down like a very goddess, resembling a Kinnari fallen from
heaven because of sin, like a fallen ApsarS, like unto an
illusion spread to take another, and like an ensnared doe^ or
a shc-clcphant that has been pierced with an envenomed

A YODHYIKXNDA Af. 211

shaft shot by a hunter. And himself resembling a mighty
elephant in the midst of a forest, the king, exceedingly
aggrievedi out of affection, gently passing his hand
upon Kaikeyi's person, thus addressed her furnished
with eyes resembling lotus* petals, — "I do not know why
thou hast been angry with me. O noble lady, who has
reprimanded thee, or who has offended thee, that, O auspi-
cious one, in this guise thou art lying down in dust enhancing
my sorrow ? And wherefore art thou down on the ground, I,
who seek thy welfare, being yet alive ? O thou that afflictest
my heart, art like one under the influence of a malignant
spirit, I have skilful physicians whom I have completely
satisfied with gifts, — they will render thee whole. Do thou,
O angry wench, mention thy malady. Whom dost thou wish
to please ; and whom to displease ? Who shall to-day receive
an welcome office, and who a highly unwelcome one? Do
not conceal thy thoughts, nor, O noble one, afflict thy
person. Who, that should not be slain, shall be put to death ;
and who that should, is to be set at liberty ? Who that is
poor is to be made rich ; and who that is affluent is to be
turned into a pauper ? I and mine are at thy command. I
dare not cross any wish of thine. Tell me thy mind, and I
will satisfy thee by laying down life itself. Thou knowest
the influence thou hast upon me, — therefore, it behoveth
thee not to entertain any apprehension. By all my good
deeds I swear that I will compass thy pleasure. The space
that is lighted up by the solar disc is mine — the Draviras,
and the Sindhus, and the Sauviras, and Shurashtras and
the Dakshinapatlias, and the Baiigas, and the Angas, and
the Magadhas, and the Matsyas, and the flourishing Kasis
and the Ko9alas. In these are produced many things, wealth
and corn and animals. Do thou, O Kaikeyi, ask for those
things that thy mind may take a fancy to. What,0 timid one,
is the use of afflicting thyself thus ? O beauteous damsel,
arise, arise. Do thou, O Kaikeyi, unfold unto me /the cause

212 RlMlFANA.

whence liath proceeded thy fear. On hearing the reason, I
will dispell it, even as the sun drieth up the dew."

Thus addressed and encouraged, she desirous of saying
that disagreeable thing with the view of afHicting her lord

still more, spoke unto him thus.

SECTION XI.

ND unto that ruler of the earth extremely under the
influence of passion, Kaikeyi spoke cruelly, saying,^-
*'0 worshipful one, none has wronged or reprimanded
me. I have a certain intention, which 1 wish that
you will, carry out. If thou wilt execute that, do thou
then promise to that effect. Then only will I express
my desire." Thereupon, by his hands placing Kaikeyi's
head upon his lap, the mighty monarch, under the influence
of passion, smiling fairly, addressed her lying on the ground,
»'0 thou that art swollen with the pride of good fortune,
thou knowest that foremost of men, RSma excepted, there
liveth not any that is dearer to me than thyself. I swear by
that invincible prime of men even the high-souled Rftghava —
who is the stay of my existence. Do thou tell me thy heart's
desire. By that Rama, Kaikeyi. whom if I do not see for
a moment, I die for certain, do I swear that whatever thou
wilt say 1 will accomplish. By that Rama, O Kaikeyi, fore-
most of men — whom I hold dearer than my other sons, do
I swear that, 1 will accomplish whatever thou wilt say. O
gentle one, my heart is in what I say. Do thou, considering
this, deliver mc from this distress. Taking all this into
consideration, do thou, O Kaikeyi, speak out what is in thy
mind. Thou sccst the power thou wieldest in me, therfore
it bchoveth thee not to fear. I will do thy pleasure by my
good deeds do I swear this."

AYODHFAKXNDAM. 213

Thereat intent upon her own interests^ that exalted dame
seeing her own wish ( almost ) attained, assuming an attitude
of intercession, being rejoiced, spoke harsh words ( unto the
monarch ). And delighted at the king's speech, she unfolded that
dreadful intention of hers like unto the approaching death. —
"Thou swearest repeatedly, and conferrest on me a boon. Let
the three and thirty deities headed by Indra, hear this. Let
the Sun, and the Moon, and the Sky, and the Planets, and
Night, and Day, and the Cardinal points, and the Universe,
and the Earth, with the Gandharvas and Rakshasas, and the
Rangers of the night, and all Beings, and the house-hold
gods residing in dwellings, — together with all other crea-
tures, — know thy utterances. Let all the deities hear that
a highly energetic ..one speaking the truth, and pure, and
cognizant of morality, and abiding by his promise, has
conferred on me a boon". Having entreated the monarch
thus with a view to prevent him from swerving, and keeping
him firm in his promise, she again addressed that mighty
bowman, overcome by desire, who was ready to confer on
her a boon, '^Remember, O king, the incidents that took
place formerly in the war between gods and Asuras. In-
capable of taking thy life, thy enemy had rendered thee
exceedingly feeble. Because, O respected Sir, I tending
thee sleeplessly, preserved thee, thou didst grant me
two boons. Entrusting the boons then with thee, do I now,
O descendant of the Raghus, ask for them (at thy hands ),
O lord of the earth. If having religiously promised to that
effect, thou dost not confer the boon, this very day, will I,
coming by this disgrace from thee, renounce my life."

When the king was completely brought under the in-
fluence of Kaikeyi, he was ensnared by her speech for his des-
truction, like a deer entering into the noose. Thereafter she
thus spoke unto the king about to confer a boon, who was
under the influence of passion, saying, — "Of the boons that
thou hadst then promised me, I shall speak to-day : do thou

214 RXmJlYANA.

listen to my words. Preparations are being made for ins-
talling Raghava. Do thou with the provisions made ready
install Bharata in the kingdom. O exalted oney the time
has also come for thee to confer on me the second boon which
thou being pleased had promised in the war of the gods and
Asuras. Let the gentle RSLma, clad in deer-skin^ lead the life
of a mendicant in the Dandaka^forest for the space of nine
and five years. And let Bharata gain the heir-apparentahip
rid of thornSi Even this is my prime wish ; aad I
beseech thee but to grant the boon thou hast already
promised. Even this very day will I see Rftoia
despatched to the woods. Do thou by proving true unto
thy word, become the king of kings ; and preserve thy racci
character^ and birth. Truthful speech, say the asceticSi is
of supreme welfare unto men in the next world/'

SECTION XII .

Ml EARING Kaikeyi's fell speech, the monarch bewailed for
a time, and then thought, — "Is this a day-dream unto me or has
bewilderment befallen my senses ? Is this owing to influeace
of some evil spirit or has my mind been affected ?" Thinking
thus, the king could not arrive at the. origin of ( this phenome
non); and then he swooned away. Then regaining his senses, he
was filled with grief on recollecting Kaikeyi's words ; and
pained and woe-begone, like unto a deer at the sight of a
tigress, he fetched a deep sigh, and sat down on the uncover
ed ground. Like a venomous snake confined by power of
incantation within a circle, the lord of men, in indignation
exclaimed, ''O fie !" And deprived of his senses by griefi
he again swooned away. After a long while, regaining Mm
senses, he extremely aggrieved, wrathfully, and as if buming

A YODHYlKlNDAM. 215

ia energy, addressed Kaikeyl, saying, — ''Thou cruel one !
Thou of vile ways ! Thou destroyer of this race ! O wicked
woman, what has been done by Rama unto thee ; or what
wrong have I done thee ? Raghava ever serveth thee as a
mother. Why thou art then bent upon wronging him ?
It is to bring down destruction upon myself that through
ignorance I brought unto this house thee like unto a serpent
of virulent poison. When all men show their regard for Rama's
virtues, for what transgression shall I forsake my dear son ?
I may renounce Kau9aly3L or Sumitra or the kingdom, or life
itself; but RSma, filled with affection for his father, will I not
renounce. I experience supreme delight on beholding my
first-born ; and when I see him not, I lose my senses. The
world may exist without the Sun ; and corn without water ;
but this life doth not exist in this body without R5ma. Do
thou then that entertainest unrighteous aims, abandon this
intention of thine. I lay my head at thy feet. Be propitious
unto me. Why dost thou, O sinful one, cherish in thy mind
such a frightful idea? Thou (often) asked me whether I love
Bharata or not. Be that which thou hadst formerly told me
in favor of that descendant of Raghu. 'That blessed one
is my ddest son, and the most righteous of them all* even
this, with the view of pleasing me, thou sweet speeched one
had said. Now hearing of the installation of Rama, thou
thyself filled with grief, art making me exceedingly aggrieved.
Or in this empty chamber having been possessed, thou hast
come under influence not thy own. And this signal lawless-
ness, O exalted lady, has befallen the race of the Ikshwakus ;
the cause of which,0 Thou versed in moral laws, is thy mental
derangement. Thou didst not formerly do unto me aught
that was improper or disagreeable ; therefore, O thou of
expansive eyes, I cannot rely upon thee (as sane). Thou didst,
O girl, many a time tell me that Rama was equal unto thee
with the high-souled Bharata. Wherefore then, O bashful
one, dost thou like that the illustrious and righteous RSlma,

2i6 RlMlFANA.

O exalted dame, should reside in the forest for five and nine
years ? Why dost thou like that the exceedingly tender RAma
with his sou! established in virtue^ should dwell in the
woods, undergoing terrible hardship ^ Why dost thou, O thou
of graceful eyes, wish RSma, captivating all creatures, and
engaged in ministering unto thee, to be banished ? Rima
verily serveth thee far more than doth Bharata ; and I do not
find that Bharata regardeth thee more than Rilma. Who will,
save that foremost of men, so devotedly minister unto thee«
regard thee, enhance thy influence, and do thy will. Not one
of the many thousands of females and the innumerable
retainers (in the palace),has been able to fasten reproach upon
Rama for real or false'misconduct. Soothing all creatures
with a pure heart, that great soul by means of good officers
secureth the affections of the inhabitants of the kingdom.
He conquers all the twice-born ones by gifts ; and that hero
conquers his superiors by ministrations ^ and his enemies
by encountering them with the bow. For certain, in
Raghava are truth and charity, and asceticism^and self-renun-
ciation,and friendship, and purity, and sincerity, and learningy
and the disposition to tend his superiors. How, O respected
one, canst thou ask for this that will bring thee sin, touching
R^ma endowed with candour, and energetic like unto a
Maharshi, and resembling a celestial ? I do not recollect to
have heard RSma, who ever speaks sweet words, to have used
any unpleasant speech to any one ; how can I then for thy sake
unfold this disagreeable matter unto the beloved R&ma ? And
what stay have I save him in whom abide forgiveness,and asce-
ticism and renunciation, and verity, and righteousness^ and
gratitude, and harmless towards all creatures. It behoveth
thee, O Kaikeyi, to have pity on me, aged and on the verge of
death, and afflicted with*grief, and distressed, and engaged
in lamentations. Whatever can be obtained in this earth
bounded by the ocean I will confer on thee— do thou not bring
about my death. O Kaikeyi, 1 clasp my palms, I fall at thj

A YODHYlKlNDA M 217

feet) be thou the protector of R§ma^ so that sin may not
taint me."

When the terrible Kaikeyi in still more terrible language
addressed the mighty king, who was burning in grief, and
bewailing) and deprived of his senses, and feeling a sensation
of whirling, and overwhelmed with woe, and again and again
beseeching for crossing this ocean of sorrow, saying. **If, O
monarch, having conferred the boon,thou repentest afterwards
how, O hero, wilt thou speak of thy righteousness in the
world ? When,0 thou versed in duty, the RSjarshis assembled
around thee, shall ask thee regarding this matter, what wilt
thou answer ? Wilt thou say,'by whose favor do I live and who
had tended me,unto that Kaikeyi have I broken my promise ?'
Surely, O lord of men, thou wilt bring disgrace unto all the
monarchs (of thy line), since having conferred the boons this
very day, thou speakest otherwise. Saivya granted his own
flesh unto the bird in the matter of the hawk and the pigeon.''^
And Alarka, having granted his eyes (unto a blind Brahmin)
attained excellent state. And the ocean, having bound him-
self by promise, never passes beyond his shores. Remember
ing these old stories render not thy promise nugatory. O
thou of perverted understanding, renouncing righteousness,
and installing RSima in the kingdom,thou wishest ever to give
thyself up to pleasure with Kau^alya. Whether what I have
proposed be righteous or otherwise, whether thou hast promised
truly or falsely, swerve not from thy word. If thou install
R^ma, this very day drinking poison, I will surely die before
thee. If I for a single day behold Rama's mother receiving
homage rendered with clasped hands, I will consider death

* The story goes that desirous of testing the charity of Saivya, Indra
and Agni assuming the forms of a hawk and a pigeon respectively, went to
the king, the former pursuing the latter. The pigeon in a fright asked the
protection of the monarch, whereon he granted it. But the hawk urged,
'why dost thou retain the food that has been appointed by Providence V
But the king declined, and cut off his own flesh and gave it unto the
hawk.^T.

si8 RlMlrANA.

even as welcome, O lord of men, by Bharata's self dear unto
me as my own life, I swear that save the exile of Rftmai
nothing shall satisfy me."

Having said this, Kaikeyi paused ; and maintained
silence disregarding the bewailing monarch. The king with
his senses overwhelmed with grief, hearing Kaikeyi's
exceedingly bitter words, reflected on R&ma's abode in
the woods, and the advancement of Bharata, and being
bewildered for a while spoke not unto Kaikeyi ; but gaxed
steadfastly at that exalted dame, his beloved wife, who
had uttered disagreeable things. And having heard that
speech resembling a thunder-bolt, and unpleasant to
the heart, and surcharged with grief, the king was extremely
pained. Then recollecting that revered lady's resolve,
and his own terrible oath, he, sighing forth, — "O Rftma^^
dropped down like a felled tree. And then that master
of the earth being deprived of his sense, was like a m^d
man, or a patient with his faculties ivildered, or a serpent
whose energy has been exhausted. In sad and distressful
words, he addressed Kaikeyi, saying, — "Who is it that has
convinced thee that this exceedingly heinous course is a
proper one ? Dost thou not feel shame to speak thus unto me,
like one whose faculties have been possessed by an evil
spirit ? I did not know before, when thou wast youthful that
thy nature was so perverted ; but now 1 find the very reverse
of what 1 then thought. Whence proceedeth thy fear that thou
askest for such a boon — the establishment of Bharata in the
kingdom, and the banishment of R§ma into the woods ? Do
thou cease to urge such a suit that is fraught with evil unto
thy wifely virtue, and that will render my word untrue, if
thou wishest for the good of thy husband, of the people, and
Bharata. O cruel woman ; O thou that intendest sinfully, O
base wretch, O doer of impious deeds, how have I and R2lnia
conspired against thy happiness ; and what offence dost thou
find in us ? Bharata will by no means accept the king-

A YODHFiKlNDAM. 219

donii depriving RSima of it, for I consider Bharata a still
more grounded in righteousness than RSlma himself. When
I shall say, — "Repair unto the forest," and RSma's counte-
nance will fall, like unto the moon overwhelmed by Rahu, how
shall I behold it 7 How shall I, having in consultation with
my friends come to this decision, retract the same, like unto
an army defeated by the enemy f And what will the mon-
archs coming from various quarters say concerning me, —
"Alas ! how has this puerile descendant of Ikshwaku
reigned so long ?' And when many aged folks, endowed with
virtues, and accomplished in various lore will ask me con-
cerning Kakutstha, what then shall I sav unto them. — *Sore
pressed by Kaikeyi, have I banished Rama ? Even if I
speak this truly, yet none will lend credence to it. And what
will Kaucalya say unto me, when RSLma shall have gone to
the forest ? Having done her this mighty wrong, what
shall I say unto her ? Kaucalyil serves me at the sametime like
a slave, and a friend, and wife, and sister, and mother. Ever
studious of my welfare, dearly loving her son, and speak-
ing every one fair, that exalted lady, although deserving of
homage at my hands, has up to this time not been regarded
by me, because of thee. That I have so long sought thy
welfare, afflicteth me now, even like rice partaken by a sick
person with curries that are unhealthful. Beholding RSlma
deprived of his kingdom, and banished unto the forest, why
will SumitrSL alarmed believe in me. Ah ! woe to me ! Vaidehi
will have to hear of two evil events, — my death and
Rama's journey unto the woods, Alas ! my Vaidehi, indulg-
ing in grief, will renounce her existence, like a Kinnari on
the side of the Himavat, who has been forsaken by her kin-
nara. When 1 shall witness Rilma repairing to tho mighty
forest, and SitSL weeping ( in grief) , I shall not hope for a long
life ; and thou, becoming a widow, will reign along with thy
son. Like unto a goodly liquor, which people having par-
taken it, subsequently find to contain poison, I have found

220 rXmIvana.

thee, who had passed for a chaste woman, to be now really
unchaste. Having soothed me with soft but false words,
thou speakest thus. Thou hast killed me like a deer that has
been entrapped by a hunter, having been allured into the net
through the sound of a song. Surely gentle folks will on the
high-way censure me as one lost to gentility, — ^as one who has
sold liis son (for buying his wife's good graces), even like a
BrSLhmana given to drinking. Alas ! alas ! having promised
thee the boon, I have to bear these words of thine ; and have
come by this grief like unto evil consequent upon misdeeds
in a previous existence. Wretch as I am, like a halter set
round one's neck, have I, O vile woman, cherished thee
through ignorance. Not knowing thee for my death, I have
sported with thee, like an infant dallying in solitude with a
venomous snake. Surely, people will be justified in con-
demning me wicked-minded that I am, for my son having
been deprived of his ancestral kingdom by me;sayiig^y^
''Alas ! king Da^aratha is foolish and lustful ; for he sends
his beloved son to the woods for the sake of his wife." Rlma
has grown emaciated by study ng the Vedas, leading the
Brahmacharyya mode of life, and serving his preceptors,—
will he again undergo this mighty toil at this time of enjoy-
ment ? My son is incapable of uttering a second word unto
me ; and commissioned, he will repair to the woods, saying,
•Very well.' if ordered with *Go to the forest,' RSghava
does not consent, even that would conduce to my pleasure ;
but he will do nothing of the kind. And R&ghava having
gone to the forest, Death will surely summon me away to his
abode who am of exceedingly reprehensible character, and who
am universally execrated. And I having been dead and that
best of men, R&ma, having gone to the woods (I do not know) to
what a plight thou wilt bring my kindreds. And if Kau^alyl
loses me and RSLma, and Sumitra loses her two sons and
me and RSma, then tormented with the extreme of grieff
those exalted ladies will follow me. Do thou, O Kaikayi,

A YODHFAKlNDAM. 221

casting into hell KaugalySi and SumitrS and myself with our
three sons, attain happiness. Renounced by me as well as
Rftmai this Ikshwaku line existing from a time immemorial,
and ennobled by excellent qualities, and incapable of coming
by grief, thou wilt rule, when it shall have been overwhelmed
with misfortune. If the banishment of Rama, be agreeable
to Bharata let him not, when I am dead, perform my funeral
obsequies. When I am dead, and when that foremost of men
has gone to the forest, do thou, a widow, rule the kingdom
along Svith thy son. O daughter of a king, when by chance
thou residest in my mansion, I must come by signal
infamy and discomfiture in the world, and meet with
general disregard, like unto a sinful person. How having
always gone on cars and elephants and horses, will dear
R&ma range in the forest on foot ? How will my son,
at the approach of whose meal-time, cooks wearing
ear-rings and emulating each other prepare excellent
meats and drinks, pass his days, living on fare furnished
by the woods, of astringent, or bitter, or pungent taste ?
How will he, who has always been clad in costly attire,
and who has always enjoyed happiness, will dwell on the
bare earth, wearing a piece of red cloth ? From whom
hast thou received this inconceivable and dreadful advice, —
Raima's journey to the woods and installation of Bharata ?
Fie upon women, crafty and selfish ! But 1 must not name
all women — I mean only the mother of Bharata. O thou that
art intent upon doing mischief unto all, O thou addicted to
selfishness, O cruel one, has God made thy mind so very
vile, only to torment me ? What wrong hast thou come by
either through me, or R&ma ever engaged in thy welfare f
On beholding Rima plunged in sorrow, fathers will forsake
sons, and wives attached^^unto their husbands will forsake
them, and the entire earth will be afiEected with ill-humour.
When I hear him coming, adorned like unto a son of the
celestials, I rejoice on casting my eyes on him| and I feel as

tzt RlMlFANA.

if I had regained my youth. Men may do without the Sun,
and the wielder of the thunder-bolt not raining, but none, I
apprehend, can live, on witnessing RSima repairing hence. I
have kept in my mansion, like unto my own death, thee that
desirest my destruction, and art intent upon doing me wrong,
and art my foe. I have for a long time held thee on my
lap, like unto a she-snake of virulent poison ; therefore in
consequence of my folly, I now meet with destruction. Now
dissevered from me, and RSLma together with Lakshmana, let
Bharata govern the city and the kingdom along with thee.
Destroying thy relatives^ do thou enhance the joy of my
enemies. O thou cruelly-disposed, O thou bringer on of cala-
mities, since banishing all sense of the relation in which
we stand to each other as husband and wife, thou hast
spoken thus, why reduced to thousand fragments thy teeth
drop not from oil thy mouth down to the ground ? Rima
has not used any harsh speech towards thee. Indeed Rima
knows no harsh speech ; why then dost thou seek to
inflict upon Rama ( ever ) pleasant spoken, and endowed
with agreeable qualities — such wrongs. O thou that render-
est infamous the king of the Kekayas, whether thou becomest
miserable, or enterest into fire, or killest thyself ( by taking
poison ), or divest into the bowels of the earth opened at
thousand places, I will not execute thy fell intention that is
fraught with evil unto me. I do not wish, that thou, like unto
a razor, and ever speaking pleasant falsehoods, and possessed
of a vile heart, the destroyer of thy own race,— thou that
wishest to burn my heart and life, thou unbeautiful one,
mayst remain alive. My life itself is in jeopardy, — ^where
then is my happiness 7 Where is the happiness of parents
without their sons ? It behoveth thee not, O noble dame,
to do evil unto me. I take hold of thy feet ; be thon
propitious unto me.'' As bewailing thus like one forlorn
the ruler of earth whose heart was captivated by Kaikeyi oa
account of her supreme beauty proceeded to take hold of

AYODHYlKlNDAM, 223

her feet, who having banished all self respecti sat with
her legs stretched, he, without being able to come at them,
fell down in a swoon, like one enfeebled with disease.

SECTION XI II.

JLhen as the mighty king was lying down in this unbeseem-
ing and improper guisa, like YaySti dropped from the
celestial regions when his religious merit had been ex-
hausted, that lady, personating the ruin of the race, not
fearing public odium, who had discerned danger from
Rima unto Bharata, not having attained her wish, again
addressed the monarch, concerning the boon he had
promised unto her, — Thou describest thyself, O mighty
monarch, as speaking the truth and firm in vow. Why then
dost thou hesitate to confer this boon on me f " Thus address
ed by Kaikeyi king Da^aratha, remaining stupified for a while
thus answered her in wrath,— "O ignoble one ! O enemy of
mine ! On my being dead, and that chief of men, RSLma,
reparing to the woods, do thou, thine wish attained, become
happy. When in heaven, questioning me as to R§ma's wel-
fare, the celestials, learning of his banishment to- the woods,
will tax me on this score, how shall I also bear that reproach
of theirs ? If I shall truthfully say I have sent Rama to the
woods for compassing Kaikeyi's pleasure, that will count for
a falsehood. Sonless first, I have obtained the exceedingly
energetic and mighty R&ma by great pain,— how can I then
renounce him ? How shall I banish R&ma having eyes resem
bling lotus' petals, who is heroic, and accomplished and of
subdued anger, and forgiving. How shall I dismiss unto Dan
daka the charming Rama of dark blue hue like that of a blue
lotus, possessed of mighty arms, and having great strength \

124 rXmIfana.

How shall 1 behold the intelligent RSLma in evil plight^ who
has never known suffering, and has always enjoyed felicity ? If
without inflicting injury upon Rima, I meet with death,
I shall then attain happiness. O cruel Kaikeyiy O thou
of evil purpose, why dost thou do this wrong unto my beloved
RUma having truth for prowess ? If I banish Rlma, an un-
paralleled obloquy will surely darken ( my fair fame ).

As king Da^aiatha was bewailing thus with a heart vifrougfat
up with grief, the suu set and night came on. But al-
though crested with the lunar disc, the night failed to
bring comfort unto the king, distressed, and indulging
iu grief. Then the old king Dagaratha, with his eyes fixed
at the sky, sighing hot, lamented in this straiQ«-''0 night
studded with stars, I beseech thee, let not the morning appear.
Do thou, O gentle one, do me this kindness. I do thus clasp
my hands (by way of supplication). Or do thou speedily
repair for I do not wish to see the hated and relentless Kai-
keyi, who has brought this calamity upon me". Having
spoken thus, the king conversant with the duties of Sovereigns
again endeavoured to propitiate Kaikeyi, saying,— >"0 noble
dame, do thou show favour unto me, who am of honest ways,
who am distressed, who have made myself thine, who have
finished his life, and who, in especial, am thy king. That I
have spoken to thee thus was because, O thou of shapely hips,
I had been deprived of my senses (through grieO* O girl, do
thou show thy favour unto me, — be thou generous, — be thou
propitious. Let my R&ma obtain the kingdom in fact
conferred by thee. Thereupon, O thou having the outer
corner of thy eyes of dark blue hue, thou wilt attain high
fame (among men). O thou of well-developed hipSj do tluni
do this act of benefit unto me and RSma and the people and
the superiors, and Bharata''.

Having heard the exceedingly piteous words of lier
husband, the king of pure sentiment, who was distressedi
with his eye rendered coppery and flowing with tearSi that

AYODHrAKlNDAM. 225

wicked minded and merciless woman spoke not. Thereat
seeing that his favourite dissatisfied wife persisted in urging
the banishment of his son, the king struck with grief, again
fell down to the earth, senseless. As the wise king afflicted
with sorrow was sighing hot and hard, the night passed away.
Then as the eulogists . attempted to sing his praises for
awakening him, he prohibited them to do so.

SECTION XIV.

Xhen that sinful woman, seeing the descendant of
Ikshwaku distressed on account of his son, and deprived of
conciousness, and lying inert on the ground, spoke unto him,
saying, — "Having promised to grant me the boon, how dis-
tressed dost thou lie on the ground^ as if thou didst commit
some sin ? It behoveth thee to keep untainted thy dignity
by performing what thou hast promised. Truth, say persons
cognizant of it, is the prime virtue. And it is in the interests
of virtue, that I have been exhorting thee. Having promised
his own person unto the hawk, that lord of earth, Siaivya,
having granted the same unto the bird, went the excellent
way. In the same manner, Alarka, being asked, plucked out
his eyes readily and bestowed them on a certain Brahmana
versed in the Vedas. And the lord of rivers, having promised,
even on occasions of Parvas, does not pass over his
bounds for the sake of truth. The one syllable {Onkar) signi-
fying Brahm^ is the truth itself. In truth is established righte-
ousness. Truth is the undecaying Vedas, and through truth
people attain the foremost state. If thy mind is established
in virtue, do thou then follow truth. Since, O excellent one,
thou hast promised the boon, let that boon bear fruit. Do
thou, incited by me with the view of maintaining virtue,
banish RSlma. Thrice, do I tell thee. If thou dost not fidfil

326 RlMlrANA.

this noble vow, O worshipful Lord^ thou hast aade uato 96f
forsaken by thee will I even in thy very presence renoance
my life."

Thus fearlessly urged by Kaikeyi, the king coidd not
take off from himself the noose (of promise), even as B&U
could not take off the noose that had been fixed upon bio
(by Upendrd) at the instance of Indra. Tbereupoiii the
king looked blank, and his heart became agitated, like
unto a beast of burden moving tortuously when placed
within the yoke and wheels. Then calming himself
with a great effort, the king, as if not seeing Kaikeyi, with
his haggard eyes, addressed her, saying, — "I do here,

0 wicked wretch, renounce that hand of thine which

1 had held with mantras before the sacrificial fire, and
I do also renounce along with thee own-begotten*
thy son Bharata. O exalted one, the night has departed ;
and as soon as the Sun rises, the superiors will surely
urge me for installing Rlroa with the provisions that have
been procured for the purpose. But if, O thou of auspicious
ways, hinderest the installation of R&ma, R&ma will perform
my funeral obsequies, when I am dead,— -and not thou
accompanied by thy son shalt perform the same. That
countenance of R&ma which I have once seen expanded in
delight, I shall never be able to behold bereft of joy and
cheerfulness, and down, with melancholy clouding it.''

As the high-souled ruler of earth was speaking thus untQ
her, the night cngarlanded with the moon and stars was
succeeded by the morning. Then Kaikeyi of vile waja
versed in speech, rendered senseless by wrath, again addressed
the monarch in harsh language, saying,— '''What woff^
O king, dost thou say, comparable unto poison or p^^^l^t
indispositions. It behoveth thee to summon hither tbj
son, the energetic RSLma. Having established my son in

* This is a new coinage rendered necessary for the earageaciM of tisnlslliaL
If 'first-born' is justifiable, 'own^begotten,' is also such.— T.

A YliSSHxAftDAAt. m

tlie kingdoixi, and rendered R&ma a ranger of the woods
HHd oftade myself rid of rivals, I shall attain my end.'' Thus
arged by Kaikeyi, the king like unto an'^excellent steed
ftttttig by a sharp goad, again spoke unto her, — "I have been
boand fast by the ties of virtue, — therefore have I lost my
ttnses. I now only wish to behold my beloved eldest son—
the righteous Rama."

Then when the night had gone by and day broke and
the Sun arose, and when the sacred astral hour had
arrived, Vasishtha endowed with many virtues, surrounded by
his disciples and furnished with the provisions, entered that
foremost of cities, whose streets had been swept and watered
^nd which had been decorated with streamers, and which was
filled with people rejoicing, and whose stalls overflowed with
articles, and which resounded with the noise of festivity, and
which was populous with folks eager for the installation of
Rlghava^ and which was every where scented with sandal
and dhupa and aguru. Having entered the city, like unto
the metropolis of Purandara himself, he saw the graceful
inner apartment decked with innumerable standards, and
which was thronged with citizens and the inhabitants of the
provinces, and graced with BrSLhmanas cognizant of sacrifices,
and crowded with highly worshipful assistants at sacrifice,
entered the inner apartment and passed by that press.
Vasishtha exceedingly delighted, surrounded by great saints,
saw at the gate of the charioteer of that great one, — who at the
same time was his counseller of gracious looks. Therefore
the highly energetic Vasishtha said unto the skilful son of the
charioteer, — "Do thou speedily acquaint the mighty monarch
that I have come. Here are golden vessels filled with water
from the Gangil and the ocean ; and for the installation, an
excellent udumvara seat, and all kinds of seeds, and scents
and various gems, and honey, and curds and clarified butter
and fried paddy, and milk, and sacrificial grass, flowers
and milk, and eight good-looking maids, and an excellent

228 RAmIVANA.

mad elephant, a car yoked with four horses, and a sword,
and an elegant bow, and a carriage containing meoi and
an umbrella like unto the moon, and two white chowries,
and a golden vase, and a pale-colored bull tethered vrith a
golden chain and bearing a hump adorned with ornamentSy
and a mighty lion — the best of his race — furnished with
four teeth, and a throne, and a tiger-skin, and sacrificial fuel,
and fire, and all kinds of musical instruments, and courtezans
decked out with ornaments, and preceptors and Br&hmanaS|
and cows, and various kinds of pure animals and birds — have
been brought. The foremost citizens and inhabitants of the
provinces and the merchants with their retinue, — all these
and others, with hearts filled with joy, and mouth speaking
pleasant words, stay with the sovereigns to witness the
installation of Rama. Do thou urge expedition upon the
mighty monarch, so that this day under the influence of the
Pushya star Rima may obtain the kingdom."

Hearing these words of his, the charioteer's son possessed
of mighty strength, eulogizing that powerful monarch,
entered his quarters. And advanced in years, he had before
this been granted free access everywhere, — ^so that the
warders, loved of the king and seeking his good, could not
prevent his entrance. Not knowing the plight that had
befallen the king, Sumantra presenting himself before him,
endeavoured to gladden the latter with pleasing speech.
And having entered the apartment of the king, the charioteer
Sumantra with clasped hands, pleasing the monarch as he
proceeded, said, — **Do thou please us delightedly and with
a glad heart, even as the strong ocean pleases people at the
rising of the sun. The charioteer Matuli used to hymn India
at this season, and (encouraged by that eulogy) he conquered
the Danavas. Even so do I hymn thee. And even as the
Vedas with the Angas and other lore indoctrinate the
self-create lord Brahma, so do I enlighten thee. As the tun
in company with the moon enlightens the fair earth con«i

AVODHYi^KlNDAM itc^

taining creatureSi so do I to-day enlighten thee. Arise, O
foremost of monarchs,cIad in excellent attire and decked with
ornaDients, like unto the sun issuing from the (mount) Meru.
All the articles necessary for the installation of R^ma are
ready. And the citizens and the inhabitants of the provinces
and the merchants stay with clasped hands. And the
worshipful Vasishtha stays with the Brahmanas. Do thou,
O king, immediately order the installation of Rama. Like
unto catties without their keeper, like unto an army without
its commander, like unto a night without the moon, like
unto kines without their bull, is a kingdom without a king."

Hearing these words of Sumantra, bland and appropriate,
the lord of earth was afresh overwhelmed with grief. Then
the graceful and virtuous king, waxing disconsolate, on
account of his son, and with his eyes reddened with the effect
of grief, seeing the charioteer, said, — *'This eulogy of thine
pains me the more.*'

Hearing those sorrowful words and finding the lord of
earth aggrieved thus, Sumantra with clasped hands went off
a little. Seeing the king utterly incapable of speaking any
thing personally owing to his heavy sorrow, Kaikeyi, the best
counsellor in matters like these, addressed Sumantra with the
following words : — "Sumantra, being elated with joy on
account of Rama's installation, the king has kept up the
whole night, and being tired therefore, is overpowered with
sleep. Go ye therefore speedily, O charioteer, and bring Rama
here, the praiseworthy son of king. This will do you good —
do not hesitate in this. "How can I go/' replied Sumantra,
"without the permission of the king ?"

Hearing these words of the counsellor, the king spoke to
him "Sumantra, bring the beautiful Rima here — I want to
see him." Thinking that some good would accrue to Rama,
he was pleased at heart and away he went speedily delighted
at the royal mandate. Being asked again by Kaikeyi to hurry
on at the time of departure Sumantra thought within himself—

t^o RlMlFANd.

'^Evident it is that the Queen has become impatient to tee
R2ma*s installation and hence is the harry— and the king
will now take rest.'' Thinking this the energetic charioteer
with great delight, intent on seeing Rima, issued oat of
the city like a lake near the ocean. Having come out of tho
presence of the king suddenly, he saw the warderSi Ttrkms
citizens and great personages sitting at the gate.

SECTION XV.

Xhe BrSLhrnana, versed in Veda, the counsellors, the com-
manders of military forces and the leading merchants,together
with the royal priest^ all brimming with joy on account of
Rama's installation, were waiting at the royal gate all night
long. On the appearance of the bright Sun, on the approach
of the day under the astral influence of Pushya and on the
ascension of KarkatOy the presiding star of Rima's birth, thej
brought all articles necessary for the installation and as
ordered by the best of Br&hmanas — namely ; gold, earthen jar
(for preserving water,) well ornamented excellent seats, chariot
with a coverlet of splendid tiger-skin, water brought from
the sacred confluence o( the Ganges and Jamuna, from other
holy streams,lakes,wells,ponds and rivers full of water flowinf
in the East, over mountains,and from the North to the Sooth ;
and waters brought from all the oceans, honey, curd| clariGed
butter, fried paddy, sacrificial grass, milk, flowersi eight oa-
married girls exquisitely beautiful, a mad elephant* gold and
silver jars, adorned with fig leaves and lotuses and filled with
holy water, a best yellow chowri for Rlma crested with jowub
and resembling the bright rays of the moon ; a brilliaali^
ornamented beautiful umbrella of yellow colours resembliaf
the disc of the moon, and the most important of aDiht

A rODHYlklNDAM. 231

afticles necessary for installation ; a weU adorned yellow ox
and horse ; and all musical instruments^'— bringing these and
•11 other things necessary for the installation of the descend-
ants of Ikshaku, in accordance with the king's permission,
tba panegyrists and other persons were assembled there. Not
finding the king present there, they began to speak amongst
themselves : — "Who will intimate the king of our arrival ?
The Suo is up and we do not see the king amongst us
as yet. AH articles necessary for the installation of the
intelligent RSma are ready.'' While they were thus
conversing, the charioteer Sumantra, well respected by
the king, reached there and spoke unto all those persons
and the kings the following words. "With the king's per-
mission I am going to bring R^ma speedily here. Worshipful
you are all to the king and specially to RiLma, I shall with
your words, ask the king of his sound sleep, and then of
the reasons for his not coming here as yet though up from the
bed." Saying thus, Sumantra, versed in legends, arrived at
the gate of the royal seraglio. And he entered the palace
with its open gates ; and having entered the appartment of
the lord of earth he went into his sleeping room, and placing
himself behind a screen near at hand, addressed the descend*
aot of Raghu Ihus, pleasing him with blessings fraught with
good unto him — "Oh ! Kakutstha, may the Moon, Sun, Siva,
Vaisravana, (the god of wealth), Varuna, (the god of water),
Agni and Indra grant thee victory. The worshipful night
b gone and blessed morn has arrived ; arise^ Oh ! thou great
king,and perform morning ablutions. BrIhmanas,commanders
and meichants are assembled at the palace gate, desirous of
seeing thee,do thou therefore arise,Oh descendant of Raghu."
Peiceiving from the voice that it was charioteer Sumantra
versed in good counsels, who was thus eulogising, the king
rose up from his bed and thus addressed him :— ^"O Charioteer '
'Bring R^ma here' was the order I gave thee ; what is it
that n^akes thee neglect my command ? I am not asleep ;

23a RlAllrANA.

go and bring up R§ma here instantly." Saying this, king
Da^aratha despatched Sumantra again.

Hearing the words of the king and bowing him with his
head down^he issued out of the king's residence,thinking that
some great good was awaiting. And having reached the
public roads adorned with flags and pennons, he, filled with
an excess of joy, began to wend his way, casting his look
around. There on his way he heard the passers by, all
talking about Rima and his installation, as if brimming
with joy on that account. Then proceeding a little, Sumantra
saw the beautiful palace of R^ma towering like the Kaila^a
hill and resembling the abode of Sakra. It was closed
with two big pannels at the gate way (of which the trap*door
was flung open), and adorned with hundreds of terraces,
on its top were many idols made of gold^ and arches crested
with pearls and diamonds; its colour was white as the
autumnal cloud and bright as the golden cave of Sumeru ;
it was ornamented with highly brilliant jewels set in the
garlands of gold flowers and strewn with pearls and diamonds
and sprinkled with sandal and Aguru, the fragrance of which
captivates the mind like the summit of the hill Dardura ;
it was graced with the presence of Sarasas and peacocks
cmittingpleasant sounds; and covered with well-made figures
of wolves aud pictures of artistic excellence, the splendour
of which captivates the mind and the eye as well ; bright
as the sun and moon, resembling the abode of Kuvera
and the capital of the king of the celestials ; filled with
brids of various kinds and high as the summit of Sumerm^
Sumantra saw the palace filled with people coming from
different quarters with clasped hands, and adorned with citizens
approaching with \arious presents and eager (to seethe instal*
lation of Rami; and (standing at the gate)being prevented by
the warders to enter ; resembling a huge cloud, of picturesque
situation, spacious, strewn with pearls and diamonds and
crowded with servants. That charioteer, in his chariot with

A rODHylKlNDAAL a33

lis wooden ledge and horses, beautifying the crowded streets
and pleasing the citizens, entered the abode of Rima. There-
upon arriving at this abode filled with wealth, and having its
beauty greatly intensified with deers and peacocks, moving
to and fro, resembling the exqusitely splendid palace of the
lord of the celestials,that charioteer was extremely enraptured,
having the hairs of the body erect. Then that charioteer
entering several apartments, well adorned and resembling the
Kailaga hill and the abode of the celestials and passing by
many persons, dear unto R2Lma and abiding in his purpose,
entered the apartment of the ladies. And he became exceed-
ingly pleased on hearing pleasant words, meaning well unto
the son of the king, from all persons, engaged in some sort
of service for the installation. He saw the pleasant abode
of Rirna, resembling that of Mahendra^ and filled with
deers and birds, having its top high as the summit of
Meru and situated well in splendour, and the gateway filled
with millions of citizens with clasped hands keeping their
conveyances outside and coming from various quarters with
presents for RamL. He saw there a wild elephant by the
name of Satrunjaya or the conqueror of foes, having a huge
boly resembling a mountain enveloped in dark clouds,
beautiful^ capable of bearing the goading hook and intend-
ed as Rama's conveyance. He saw well adorned ministers
dear unto the king with horses, chariots and elephants ; and
leaving them all on either side, entered unprevented,
like unto the marine monster Makara entering the ocean
containing many pearls and diamonds, the splendid apart-
ment of the ladies, resembling the clouds that hover over
the summit of the Hill Himidri, and having a number of
beautiful houses comparing with great celestial cars.

3«

134 RAAllrANA.

SECTION XVI.

!^UMANTRA,well versed inlegends.aftcr passing by the gale*
ways crowded with people, reached the solitary apartment
(of Rama), having youthful warders, carrying darts and bows
wearing ear-rings, cautious, attentive and devoted, and saw
(seated at the gate) several old men, commanding female
warders, mindful of duty, wearing red cloths and excellent
ornaments, and having rattans in their hands. They all seeing
Sumantra, ever wishing good unto RSma, approach, rose sod*
deniy up from their seats with due respect. The humble-
minded charioteer then said to them :— "Go and speedily com-
municate unto Rima that Sumantra is waiting at the gate.^
At this the warders, desirous of doing good unto their
master, nearing R^ma, speedily comunicated these words
unto him who was in the company of his wife. R^Lma bearing
of the arrival of his father's charioteer^ ordered him to enter
into the apartment, having his father's pleasure in view. He
(on entering) saw RSLma resembling Vaisravana, well adorned
and seated on a gold sofa, with a beautiful coveriet tm ;
having his body sprinkled with holy and fragrant sandal
of the best kind, red as the blood of a hog ; and bavKig by
him Sitd with a chowri in her hand, like Moon himself in Uit
company of Chitr&,

Whereupon Sumantra, acquainted with decorum, humbly
saluted him (R^ma), the conferrer of great boons, and res«
plendent like tho mid-day sun ; and he well honored by
the king, seeing the king's son seated on the sleeping soia
with a delighted countenance, spoke these words unto hhn
with clasped hands : — ''Oh, RSLma, great son of Kau^alyt,
thy father and the queen Kaikeyi want to see thee ; so it be-
hoveth thee to go there without delay." Being pleased with
these words the mighty hero of great effulgence, honored his
father's behest and spoke unto Sita thus,— ''Obidarliog^doobC

A YODHViKlNDAM. 255

there is none that vay father,going to Kaikeyi,is parleying with
ber regarding my installation. Concievingthe king's intention
that clever lady,of dark eyes and desirous of doing good unta
the king, that mother, the daughter of the king of Kekaya,
pleased and intent upon king's welfare as well as upon that of
mine, is hastening the monarch for my installation. Fortun-
ately for me» the monarch in the company of his Queen has
despatched Sumantra, intent upon my welfare. Worthy of
the meeting at the inner apartment, the messenger has come,
and I doubt not that the monarch shall install me to-day as
the heir-apparent of his throne. Therefore I shall speedily
go hence and see my father. Do thou remain and enjoy here
the company of thy friends.*'

Regarded by her husband, Sita, of dark eyes and
intent upon her husband's welfare, followed him to the
entrance and said : — "May the great monarch bestow
upon thee first the heir-apparentship, and afterwards
the dignity of the Paramount power like Brahma grant-
ing kingdom unto Vdsava. I shall be ministering unto
thee, seeing thee initiated, engaged in ceremonies, wearing
excellent deer skin for cloth and carrying horns in the
hands. May Indra protect thee on the East, may Yama
^ Death) protect thee on the South, and Varuna (God of
water) on the West and Kuvera (God of wealth) on the
North." Being greeted with benedictory ceremonies, Rama,
bidding farewell to Sit9, issued out of his house like unto a
lion, living in the den of a mountain. He saw Lakshmana
standing at the gate with clasped hands, and met all his
friends assembled at the middle apartment. Then that great
son of the king, casting a glance upon them all who were
present there to see him and pleasing them with sweet words
ascended, like unto the thousand-eyed Indra, the splendid
chariot, made of sihrer and coated with tiger-skin, and
bright like the fire itself,makiQg a noise (when going) like the
roaring of ck>uds ; defyi||f all obstacles, adoraed with jewels^

236 RlAlJiyANA

and gold, dazzling the eye-sight and bright like the goIJen
peaks of Sumeru, It had two excellent horses tied to it like
unto two young elephants, and was of quick motion, resem-
bling that of Indra's chariot carried by his horses.Ascending the
car, RSghava, of great effulgence, went speedily op, making
(the space)resounded like unto the muttering cloud on the sky.
He issued out of his abode like the beautiful moon passing
through a huge cloud. And Lakshmana, the younger brother
of R^ghava, standing behind him on the car with a splendid
Chowri in his hand, began to guard his body. And there was
caused a great tumult by the crowd gathering around on the
issuing out of Rilma. Then followed in his train many
hundreds and thousands of beautiful horses and elephants
resembling hills iu their appearance ; and went before him
hundreds of heroes, well accoutered, and having their bodies
sprinkled with sandal and Aguru and holding swords and
arms in their hands, and other persons uttering
benedictions. He heard on the way sounds of musical
instruments, eulogy of the panegyrists and lion-like roars
of the heroes. Exquisitely beautiful damsels, adorned with
various ornaments and dresses, standing by the windows
began to shower flowers upon the head of the foe-destroyer
Rama, and those spotless beauties with a view to please
RSLma,some standing on the building^ and some on the ground
began to praise him : — "Oh thou, delight of thy mother,
surely has mother Kau9aly2L become exceedingly gratified, on
seeing thee of successful journey to accept the heir-
apparentship of the throne." Those ladies thought that
Sits, the captivater of Rama's heart was surely the best
of all women and for certain had she performed some great
austerities in her past life or else she would not have been
the companion of Rama, like unto Rohini, the companion of
Moon. That best among men heard these pleasant words
from those ladies standing on the buildings and on high-ways.
Rllghava then heard the people coming from different quar-

A YODHFlKlNDAM. 237

tcrs and the well-pleased citizens,talking amongst themselves
regarding him in the following strain. "This RSghava going
shall obtain through the grace of the king great wealth, and
all our desires will be gratified when he ivill become our gover-
cor. It is a great gain to the subjects that he is going to get
for ever the entire empire at once ; he being the lord of the
people, no body shall witness any misfortune or unpleasant
thing." Like unto Vaisravana he began to proceed, being
dignified by the horses and elephants going before sending
forth great sound, and eulogised in various metres by persons
Ringing his glory, by the panegyrists and by men tracing his
noble ancestry. He saw the courtyard thronged with young
and old elephants, horses, chariots, and the high- ways
crowded all over with people, many pearls and various mer-
chandises.

SECTION XVII.

Xi/AMA, having his friends delighted, ascending the car,
and viewing the city adorned with pennons and flags and
incensed with Dhupa and Aguru, entered the high way,
crowded with people and ccntaining houses coloured as the
pale white clouds, and the place between the two rows
whereof scented with Dhupa and Aguru, It was a splendidly
spacious '.road decorated with a collection of sandal, Aguru
and other fine scents, with silk and red cloth, with pearls
holed and other valuable crystals and strewn with various
flowers and filled with edibles multiform. Like unto the
lord of celestials in heaven he saw this high way and the
court-yard covered with curd, clarified butter, fried paddy,
Dhupay Aguru and sandal, and embellished with garlands
and other scents. Having heard benedictions uttered by
many in the following strain and paying proper respects

238 RlhilrANA.

unto all| he wended his way. "Being installed this day do
thou following in the footsteps of thy father and grand-fathers
cherish and protect us. Thou taking the reins of government
we shall live more happily than what we were under your
ancestors. Seek not we earthly comforts or the highest things
(in the life to come), if we can only see Rftma installed in the
kingdom issuing out from his father's abode. There is nothing
more pleasant to us than the installation of the highly
energetic R9Lma on the throne." Rftma, hearing these and
other auspicious words from his friends eulogising his own
self, went on his way without being moved. R&ghava passed
away, but not a single person could withdraw his eyes and
mind from that best of men. In fact he who did not see
RSma, and whom RSima did not see, was looked down by all.
and he considered himself contemptible. That righteous one
showed mercy unto all, old and youngs of the four castes,
and hence, th^y were all obedient to him. He proceeded
leaving on his left side the junctions of four roads, the paths
leading to temples, the religious fig trees and altars, and
reached after all the family dwelling of the king, with its
palatial tops piercing the sky, looking beautiful, resembling
mass of clouds, white as the celestial cars and high as the hill
KailSfa, and with sporting houses adorned with pearls. And
the son of the monarch, shining in beauty, entered into the
palace of his father, the best on earth resembling the abode
of Mahendra. Da9aratha's son, the best of men, crossed in
his chariot three apartments guarded by warriors with bows in
their hands, and other two on foot, and in this way passing
by all, and ordering his followers to go back, entered the inner
apartment. That son of the king entering into the presenoe
of his father, all were extremely gladdened and were eagerly
expecting his return like unto the lord of water expecting
the appearance of the moon.

A Y ODHYlKkND A AL 2 39

SECTION XVII .

/AMA saw his father, seated on a beautiful sofa with
Kaikeyi, looking sorry and poorly and with his countenance
dried up. And humbly bowing down at the feet of his father
first, he saluted Kaikeyi with due solemnity. Uttering
the word "RSma" only, the poor king with his eyes full of
tears could not eye him nor could he speak to him. Seeing
this unforeseen and terrible appearance of the king,like unto a
serpent trampled under foot, Rama was exceedingly terrified.
He was dejected and pulled down much with sorrow and
penitence. He was sighing hot and hard and his heart was
greatly pained. His heart was troubled like the wavy oceair
agitating though incapable of agitation,and clouded like the Sun
possessed by R§hu,and (that of) an ascetic speaking falsehood.
Thinking of this unthought of sorrow of the king he became
agitated like unto the ocean duri-ng the course of the full-moon.
And clever R&ma, intent on his father's welfare, thought
within himself : — "Why does not the king display joy on
my arrival to-day ? Angry though, he used to express joy
whenever he saw me ; then why does his sorrow prevail
even seeing *me to-day ?" Being pressed with sorrow, RSma
ai pa4e countenance, like one miserable, saluting Kaikeyi,
spoke unto her the following words. ''Is it not that I com-
mitted some oflence through ignorance that I see my fathe^r
angry ? Do thou propitiate him therefore. Why is ii'is
mind so aggrieved who was so kind to me, and why does he
look poorly and of pale countenance who used to welcome me
always with kind words ? Is he subject to any physical or
mental disturbance ? Oh ! happiness uninterrupted is
very dear. 'Has any evil befallen the good-looking Bharata or
high souled Satrughana ? Is it not all well witfatmy«motbeFS f
Dissatisfying the king, disregarding :his words and offending
him, I do not want to breathe for a single moment. How

S40 RlJUArANA.

can a man disregard bim who is god himself seen and (elt|
and who is looked upon as a cause from whom he has sprung.
Oh mother, hast thou spoken any harsh word to my father
either through anger or through haughtiness for which
his mind is thus pulled down ? Oh worshipful one, tell
me all this, who am exceedingly anxious to get at the
real truth. Why has this unforeseen sorrow overtaken the
heart of the lord of men ?"

Being thus addressed by the high-souled Righavai that
exceedingly shameless Kaikeyi spoke unto him the following
impudent words, fraught with her self-interest/'Oh Rlma, the
monarch is not angry nor has any danger befallen him. He has
got something in his mind which he cannot speak out through
thy fear. Thou art his most beloved son and word does not
proceed from his mouth to speak thee things unpleasant. Bat
it behoveth thee to carry out what the monarch has promised
unto me. Formerly regarding me very highly he conferred
on me two boons and he now repents for that like a common
person. Promising 'I give thee' the lord of earth granted
me these boons ; in vain he wishes to set up a dyke when all
the water has passed away. Oh R2Lma, it is known to thee
that truth is the root of all religion and may he not renounce
that for thee, being angry with me. If do thou carry out all
that the king will speak to thee, good or evil, then I shall
relate unto thee every thing. If what I, with the kingfs
permission, speak to thee, does not go useless, I shall speak
unto the all ; thee king will not speak any thing.

Hearing these words uttered by Kaikeyi, R&ma, pained
at heart, spoke unto her in the presence of the king iu
the following way :— "Oh ! shame to me. May it not please
thee, Oh worshipful lady, to speak such words to me.
I can at the king's words jump into the fire. Beiof
ordered by him, who is my father and who is my king especi*
ally, I can drink virulent poison and drown into the ocean.
Speak thou, Oh worshipful lady, what is the desire of thr

A YODHrlKlNDAM. ui

king^ and know that I shall carry it out— Rima does not
contradict what he has once spoken." Then that wicked
Kaikeyi spoke these highly cruel words unto R§ma, simple
and truthful. "Formerly in a great war between the gods and
Asuras, thy father, being wounded with shafts was tended
by me for which he conferred upon me two boons. Of these
two boons I have asked of the king the installation of Bharata,
and the departure of R^ghava into the Dandaka forest
even this very day. Oh thou, best among men, if do thou
wish to keep thy father's vows as well as thine, hear what
I say. Thy father is bound unto me by promise, obeying
therefore thy father's mandate, do thou repair unto the forest
for nine years and five. Bharata shall be installed. Oh
RSghava, by all those articles which have been brought by
the monarch for thy installation. Forsaking this installation,
do thou repair unto Dandaka forest for seven and seven
years and wear bark and matted hair. And here in this
Ko^ala let Bharata govern the world, adorned with many
pearls and diamonds, with elephants, horses and chariots.
The king, filled with pity and having his face marked with
the affliction of sorrow, cannot cast a glance upon thee.
Oh thou descendant of Raghu, do thou carry out these words
of the Lord of men and save him by redeeming these great
vows of his." Hearing these cruel words of her, RSlma
was not grieved ; but the generous king afflicted with the
thought of the approaching separation with his son, was
greatly pained.

SECTION XIX.

EARING these unpleasant words like unto death, R&ma,
the destroyer of foes, was not pained, and spoke thus unto
Kaikeyi. "Be it what thou sayst ; carrying out the promise
of the king, I shall repair unto the forest from this place

242 RlMlYANA.

wearing bark and malted hair. Now I want to know only
why that lord of the earth, invincible and the conqueror of
foes, does not receive me in the same way as he used to do on
previous occasions. Be not angry, Oh worshipful one, I speak
before thee, be thou propitiated well, and I shall go to the
forest wearing bark and matted hair. What is there that I
cannot perform, considering it good without suspicion, if I
am ordered so by my well-wisher, spiritual leader, father and
king, who acknowledges thy service (rendered in time of
danger^). But this one sorrow burns my heart, why king
did not tell me personally of the installation of Bharata.
What of the command of the king, my father, I shall even at
thy mandate joyfully make over unto Bharata, my kingdom,
Sit§, wealth and even my life, thereby satisfying thee, aad
fulfilling my promise. Do thou now console the bashful
kin^ ; why has he, with his eyes steadily fixed on the ground,
been shedding tears slowly ? Let messengers, with fast
going steeds go to-day at the command of the king to
fetch Bharata from his maternal uncle's house. And I
shall, not even judging the propriety of my fathei's
words, speedily repair unto the forest of Dandaka for
fourteen years.*' Hearing those words of R&ma, Kaikeyi
was pleased, and being certain about his departure,
hurried on Raghava. '*Let it be that messengers with fast
going steeds shall go to bring Bharata from his maternal
uncle's residence. I do not think it proper for thee, O RAina,
to delay, when thou art so anxious ; it behoves thee therefore
to depart from this place speedily unto the forest. The king
being abashed, does not himself address thee, there k
nothing else than this. Do thou, Oh best of men, dispel this
wretchedness of his. As long as thou sha It not hurriedly

* The epithet Kritajnena may as well be rendered into general
such as 'who acknowledges services redered onto him.* Here in tnnilatfoB I
have foil «red the commentator who has restricted it to the ipecial
to the occasion.— T.

A YODHFiKlNDAM. 243

depart froth his presence, Oh R&ma. thy father shall not
bathe, or eat anything/' 'Oh tie |' 'what affliction' sobbing
hard wtth tliese words, the monarch, filled with sorrow, swoon-
ed away and fell down upon the sofa, embellished with gold.
Raising the king up, R^ma, being directed by Kaikeyi,
began to hurry on his departure to the forest, like unto a
steed struck sharp with a whip. Hearing those cruel and
unpleasant words of the wi<:ked Kaikeyi, Rama, not being
distressed, began to address her with the following words.
''Oh worshipful one, being addicted to wealth do I not long
for living in this world \ like unto Rishis, know me, to be well
established in pure religion. If I can, even at the sacrifice
of my own life, satisfy my worshipful father rest assured it is
to be done first in all manner. There is no virtue greater
than, the serving of the father and carryings out his words.
Even though not commanded by him, I shall; for thy words,
live in a solitary forest for fourteen years. Oh Kaikeyi,
certain it is that thou art not acquainted with my foremost
virtues, inasmuch as possessing full authority to rule me, thou
hast requested the monarch for this. Excuse me until I ask
my mother, and comfort SitS, ; even this very day shall I wend
my way unto the great forest of Dandaka. It behoves thee to
do that by which Bharata may govern the kingdom and tend
our father, for this is the virtue eternal." Hearing these
words of R§ma, his father, greatly afflicted and incapable of
speaking anything on account of sorrow, began to cry
aloud. Worshipping the feet of the king lying insensible,
^nd those of vicious Kaikeyi, that greatly effulgent one went
out. And reverentially going round his father and Kaikeyi,
and issuing out of the female apartment, RUma saw his own
friends and relatives. Then followed him Lakshn^ana, the
enhancer of Sumitr&'s joy, greatly angry and with his eyes
full of tears. Going round with reverence the house of
instalation full of necessary articles, not turning away from
it his wistful look, RSma began to proceed slowly. Loss oi

244 Ri Ally ANA.

kinf^dom could not diminish the great beauty of that beloved
of the people on account of its everlasting pleasantnest, like
unto the wane of the moon. There was manifest in him no
change of mind, who was about to fly as an exile to the foreat
and leave the world, like unto one emancipated while yet
living. Leaving aside the excellent umbrella and well adorned
chowrteSf forsaking his relatives, chariot, citixens and other
people, calmly bearing the affliction in mind and not mani-
festing the outward signs of sorrow, RSLma, with a view to
communicate this unpleasant news to his mother, entered her
abode. All persons, who were present there and who adorned
themselves on account of the installation, did not perciere
any sign of mental a^ony on the face of R&ma. Like unto
the rays of the fully brilliant autumnal moon, that hero of
mighty arms, having control over himself, did not forsake his
native cheerfulness. The pious R&ma, having high famei
entereJ into the presence of his mother, manifesting great
regards for the people with sweet speech. Then followed
him, the son of SumitrSL, of mighty prowess, of equal accom-
plishments with his brother, and bearing the mental sorrow.
RSima, entering the abode of his mother^ saw it filled with
all sorts of amusements ; and even though his mind was not
agitated with any mental disturbance seeing the impending
calamity of loss of wealthy he was anxious lest the lives of his
dear relatives might be in danger.

SECTION XX.

•:00:-

HBRE arose a great uproar of cry in the apartment of
the females, when that best of men went out with clasped
hands. 'That R&ma, who used to serve all the females in
all matters even without his father's permissioUi who ww
our stay and protector, is going to the forest. Righava from

A VODHYlKlNDAM. 1 4>

his birth pays as much attention to us as to his mother
Kau^alyS. He, who bein^f cursed, does not get angry,
pacifies the wrathful and studiously avoids words and deeds
that excite an^er in others, will repair hence this day unto
the forest. Senseless is our king, who forsakes RSghava who
is the stay of all people, and thus kills his subjects." Thus
the queens of D;i9aratha, like unto the cows that have lost
their young ones, began to blame him and cry aloud. Hear-
ing this terrible uproar of cry in the female apartment, that
lord of earth, racked with sorrow on account of his son, hid
himself in the seat (with head hanging downdards). RSLma
too, having control over his own self, experiencing sorrow
(for his relatives) and sobbing like an (enchained) elephant,
entered into his mother's apartment together with his brother.
He saw a venerable old man, sitting at the gate and many
other persons. All those present, seeing Rama, began to
shower benedictions on him, the best of all victorious heroes,
saying, 'Victory unto thee." Having passed through the first
apartment he saw in the second, many old Brahmins, versed
in the Vedas and honored by the king. Having bowed down
unto them, Rdma saw in the third apartment, women, boys,
and old men, all engaged in watching the gate. The female
warders honored RamS rejoicing, and entering his mother's
apartment, communicated unto her speedily this pleasant
news. Worshipful Kaucalya, seeking her son's welfare,
kept up the whole night being absorbed in meditation, and
was, in the morning, worshipping the God Vishnu. Wearing
silk-cloth, pleased, and accustomed to the performance
of religious rites every day, she, performing benedictory cere-
monies^ was offering oblation unto the fire. RSLma entering
the auspicious abode of his mother beheld her thus engaged
in the sacrifice to the fire. The descendant of Raghu saw
there, brought for the service of the celestials, curd, graiaSi
clarified butter, sweetmeats, things fit for oblations unto the
fire, fried paddy, white garlands, rice boiled in milk and sugar,

»46 RXMIFANA.

rice sesamum and pea mixtures, sacriicial fuels and' jan
full of water. He saw his virtuous mother wearing whit6
silk, pulled down by the austere performance of religious
rites, and engaged in propitiating the deities with
the offering of water. She seeing her son, ever ad
vancing the joy of his mother, approach, became pleased,
and stepped forward like unto a mare beholding
her young one. Seeing his mother approach, RSLghava
bowed low, and (KaucalyS) embracing him in her arms smelt
his head. Kau9al)a, out of niotherly affection, spoke these
sweet and bencficient words unto her own invincible son,
R2ighava. "Mayst thou obtain the life and fame of the pious,
old RajarshiSf and the virtue worthy of thy family. See, Oh
Rdghava, how truthful is your father the king I That virtuous-
souled one shall install thee this day as the heir-apparent of
the throne." Raghava, humble by nature, who was offered by
his mother a seat and asked by her to eat something, strech-
ing forth a little his clasped hands, and with his head down-
wards with a view to show respects towards his motheri
touched the seat, and began to relate unto her the object of
his repairing unto the Dandaka forest. "O worshipful one, cer-
tain it is that thou knowest not the great impending calamity.
It is for the distress of thine, Lakshmana and Vaidehi, that shall
I wend my way unto the Dandaka forest. What is the use of
a seat to me then ? Now is the time come when I deserve a seat
made of Kusa grass. I shall live in the forest for fourteen yean
abstaining from animal food and living on tuberous roots and
fruits like unto the ascetics. The king shall confer upon
Bharata the heir-apparentship and shall banish me as an ascetic
into the forest. And I shall live in that solitary forest for
eight and six years, feasting on roots, and fruits and perform*
ing the duties of a hermit." Like unto the stem of a jtf/a tree
cut asunder by an axe in a wood, like unto a female celestial ,
fallen down from the abode of the gods, she fell down sud*
denly (hearing these heart-rending words.) RSma seeing his

A TODHYAKXND a M, 247

mother, who deserved no distress, fall down like a plantain
tree and insensible, raised her up, and finding her covered
with dust all over her body like unto a mare risen up after rol
ling on the ground on account of toil of bearing heavy burden
wiped oflf (her body) gently with his hand. She, deserving
happiness, being racked with the destruction of her delight
spoke thus unto Raghava, that best of men, in the presence
of Lakshmana. "Oh t my son. Oh ! R&ghava, hadst thou
not been born for my grief I would have been sonless only,
but would not have been subject to this greater grief. A
sonless woman has only one cause of mental affliction. Her
only sorrow is "I have no child" and nothing else my son.
I have not experienced in my life that blessing and pleasure
which women generally feel when their husbands are devoted
to them. I have sustained my life so long, O Rama, only
with the hope that I shall witness this and other happiness
when I shall have a son. Myself, being the eldest of all the
queens, shall have to hear unpleasant and heart-rending
words from the co-wives who are all younger than I. There
can be no greater misery for women than this my boundless
grief and lamentations. Thou being present, they have
reduced me to this miserable plight, I do not know what else
they will do^ thou being away ; there is death certain for me.
Oh my darling ! Being disregarded by my husband I have
been greatly insulted — I am equal to the maid-servants of
Kaikeyi or even inferior to them. Those who serve me or
are obedient unto me, shall not even speak with me when
they will see the son of Kaikeyi (installed). She is always
of fretful temper, how shall I, reduced to misery (on account
of thy exile), eye the face of Kaikeyi, uttering harsh words.
I have spent. Oh RSlghava, ten years and seven from thy
(second) birth* expecting a termination of my sorrow. Even

* Here the commentators differ in fixing the age of Rama at the time of
his going to the forest. Rama's age was under sixteen at the time of
marriage, and after he was married to Sita he enjoyed her company for twelve

a48 RlMlYANA.

though worn out, Oh R^ghava, I shall not be able to suffer
this great misery cosequent upon thy unending exile and
the contempt of the co-wives. How shall I, of miserable life
pass my days in grief not seeing thy face, eifulgent like unto
the full-moon. Wretched as I am, in vain have I brought thee
up with fasts, contemplations and many other toilsome aus*
terities. Surely, I consider my heart is very hard, as it does
not rend like unto the bank of a great river in contact with-
new water in the rainy season. There is no death for me—
no vacant place in the abode of Yama ; otherwise why does
not Death take me away like unto a lion snatching away a
weeping hind ; certain it is that my heart is made of iron, as
it does not rend nor does my body being pressed down with
this sorrow and falling) down on earth, break into pieces ;
verily have I no death before time. This distresses me that
all my religious vows, alms givings, self -restraint and austerityp
performed with a view of obtaining a son, have been fniitlesSi
like unto the seeds thrown on a barren soil. If any body in
this life, being pressed down with some great calamityi could
meet with death of his own accord, I would have instantly

years, when the proposal of installation was made. This makes totally sa af*
of twenty-seven. In the text *dasa saptctcha* (ten and seven) ten yean UXL
short which are to be made up by taking into account the age of ten beiof left
out, preceding Rama's entering into the second birth which begins at maum/i*
bandhana or initiation into the mjrsteries of the Vedic literatare. Polk>wiiig Um
example of Bhashyakara Patanjali, the commentator, Ramaoujn has In thi
sentence 'dasa saptacha' supplied another (dasa) (ten) by means of eUi|isis,th08
giving an age of twenty-seven. This, however, contradicts the statement of
Sita to R^vana in guise of an anchorite, informing him of the age of her has*
band being twent-Bve. A modern annotator with great ingenuity has devised
ways to make up this discrepancy. The age of RAma was under
when Visvamitra asked his assistance in destroying Tdraki. 'Under si]
may mean fifteen or twelve as well. After marriage at twelve, Rima enjoyed
twelve years more the pleasure of home. This giving in total twenty-foar, it Is
to be supposed that when he was exiled he stepped at twenty-fire. The
'dasa laptackcf is correct, considering the age of eight being left oat
his second birth at the initiation into the mysteries of the Veda.

A yODHYlKlNDA M. 249

gone to the abode of dealh, being cut o(I from thee like unto
a cow from her young one. Oh, thou, having a countenance
of moon-like splendour, wretched indeed is my life without
thee — I shall follow thee to the forest out of great affec-
tion, like unto an enfeebled cow following her young one.
Kau^alya like a Kinnari unable to bear this great calamity,
anticipating some great misfortune and seeing R§ma bound
(with a great vow), began to lament in various ways.

SECTION XXI.

.ixT this time Lakshmana, sorely distressed, addressed the
weeping Kau9alya, the mother of R&ma with the following
words suitable to that occasion. ''I like it not. Oh worshipful
one, that RSighava, should repair unto the forest, renouncing
this grandeur of sovereignty. The king is uxorious^ old
and therefore of perverted judgment and is addicted to world-
ly affairs 5 being under the influence of his wife and passion
what could he not speak ? I do not see any such fault or
sin in Rlma that he should be banished from the kingdom
to range in the wood. I do not find any such man in this
world, even amongst great enemies, who, forsaken for
heinous sins, can cite, even in his absence, any fault of him.
Observing what law of righteousness does the monarch, with-
out any cause, renounce such a son who is like unto celestials,
simple, well disciplined and beloved even of the enemies ?
What son, remembering his father's conduct, shall carry in
his heart these words of the king, who has again gone back
to childhood ? Ere people come to know this proposal of
exile, do thou secure the government of the kingdom unto
thyself with me. Who can disturb the installation, Oh
Righava, myself protecting thee by thy side with my bows,
like unto Death himself. If any body stands here as an
enemy, surely shall I, Oh best of men, depopulate the whole

350 RlMlTANA.

chy of Ayodhya with sharp arrows. I shall immolate all wba
shall stand by Bharata or wish him well— certainly mitdness
brings about discomfiture. If father being propitiated and
excited by Kaikeyi, turns out to be our enemy, be shall b6
slain,without any hestitation. Even a spiritual leader deserves
chastisement if he is pufled up with pride, and is devoid of
the power of judging good actions and bad, and when he is
gone astray. Tell me, Oh best of men, by what law of virtue
and what reason does he purpose to confer this kingdom upon
Kaikeyi, which has devolved upon thee (by the law of inhe-
ritance). Who dares conferring on Bharata the kingdom,
carrying hostility with me and thee ? Oh worshipful
one, verily am I attached at heart to my brother. By
truth, bow, gifts and things dear unto me, do I swear unto
thee ; if Rima shall enter into the wood, know me. Oh
worshipful one, to have entered into the fire before thaL
Like unto the sun dispelling darkness, shall I remove thy
sorrow by dint of my power ; may your worshipful self and
R&ghava witness it. Readily shall I despatch my father,
whose heart is unduly attached unto Kaikeyi and who b
therefore vile and being old contemptibly playing the child."
Flearing these words of the high-souled Lakshmana, Kau9alya
weeping and being pressed with sorrow spoke these words unto
RSma. *'You have heard, Oh my son, what your brother
Lakshmana said ; and if you like, do what seems reason*
able unto thee. It does not behove thee, hearing the
sinful words given vent to by the co-wife, to repair hencOi
leaving me who is sore distressed with sorrow. Oh tboo
pious one, having knowledge of religion, if do thou wish to
acquire righteousness, serve me here and continue practising
the best of all virtues. Hear, Oh my son, the great ascetic
Kasyapa, lived in his house, serving his mother continually
and being crowned with best moral merit reached heaven.
As the monarch is worshipful unto thee in veneration so
am I. I do not permit thee, to repair hence unto the forost

A YODHYlKlNDAM. 251

Separated from thee I do not need life or happiness ; with
thee I would prefer faring on grass. If do thou depart unto
the forest leaving me troubled with sorrow, I shall resort to
the vow of fasting and shall not b>e able to sustain my life.
And then thou shalt receive the penalty of hell, well known
to the people, as did the ocean, the lord of rivers, for like,
unrighteousness, suffer the agony of Brahminicide."* Where-
upon unto his mother Kau9alya, sorrowful and weeping, spoke
R&ma, virtuous-souled^ these words of righteousness. "There
is no power in me to transgress my father's behests j bend
low I my head unto thee — I want to proceed to the forest.
The learned Rishi Kandu, who lived in the forest keeping
the word of his father, killed a cow, knowing it to be
unrighteousness. In our line the descendants of Sigara, at
the command of their father, met with signal destruction,
while digging the earth. RSma the son of jSmadagni, at his
father's words, decapitated his mother in the forest. These
and other god-like personages. Oh worshipful one, obeyed
heroically the orders of their father ; and I shall do my father's
welfare therefore. It is not I alone who am carryjng out my
father's commands ; those whom I have mentioned now, O
worshipful one, have done so, I am not introducing some
such righteousness, unfavourable unto thee, that has been
never practised before. I am simply treading the path, that
has been upheld and followed by worthies gone before.
Surely shall I accomplish that which is worthy of being
performed in this world and nothing else — one going by his
father's behests is not certainly degraded."

Saying these words unto his mother, that best of men
versed in speech and best of archers, again spoke unto

* The text has been here a little freely translated to make it compatible
with the legend to which it refers. The ocean, thus goes the story, caused the
grief of his mother. Upon which, Maharshi Pippyalada, through magical
power, subjected him to agony of hell. This agony the mother of Rama relate
as the same that follows the sin of Brabminicide.

2S2 RlMlFANA.

Lakshmana all these words. "I know full welli Uh
Lakshmana, thy affection towards me and thy power,
strength and unconquerable force. Not knowing my settled
conviction in regard to truth and peace, my mother, Oh
beautiful Lakshmana, is so disturbed with incomparable
sorrow. Righteousness is the prime object in this world and
in righteousness is established truth, and this excellent
utterance of my father is in keeping with righteousness. It
does not become them, O hero, who abide in righteousness to
fail to carry out the commands of father, mother or a Brahmin.
While I have been, Oh warrior, ordered by Kaikeyi at my
father's words, I shall not be able to transgress those behests
again. Do thou relinquish therefore this unrighteous purpose
of thine consequent to the virtues of the Kshatriyas ; do thou
abide by righteousness but not cruelty, and follow my deci-
sion." Saying these words unto Lakshmana out of fraternal
affection, spoke again RSima to Kau^alya with clasped bands
and with his head bending low. ''I do bind thee with an oath
of my life, Oh venerable one, to allow me to wander away hence
into the wood. Do thou perform benedictory ceremonies for my
welfare. Like unto the royal saint Yayati^ in the days of yore
once falling on earth going again to the abode of celestials,
I shall, fulfilling my vows, again return home from the forest.
Do thou. Oh mother, assuage thy grief within thy heart ;
lament not thou, I shall return home again from the wood
after making good my father's words. Myself, Lakshmana,
Vaidehi, SumitrSL and thyself shall abide by father's words,
and this is the virtue eternal. Desisting from the ceremonies
of installation and allaying thy sorrow in thy heart do thou.
Oh my mother, follow my pious decision about retiring to the
forest". Hearing those pious, sober and reasonable words of
Rama, the venerable mother, regaining her sense like unto
the dead, and casting her look upon him, spoke to him again
the following words. "I am equally worshipful unto thee.
Oh my son, with your father, for like him have I brought thee

A YODH vJiKlNDA M, 2 53

up whh pains and like him do I love thee. I shall not allow
thee to repair unto the forest and it does not behove thee
to go leaving me behind sore distresssd with grief. Without
thee, of what avail to me is my life, my relatives, the worship
of the manes and the deities and the knowledge of divine truth
on this earth ? Prefer do I thy company even for a moment to
the presence of all creation.'* Hearing these sorrowful words
of his mother, RSLma was again inflamed with ire, like unto an
elephant goaded with a fire-brand, when entering into darkness.
He, abiding in righteousness spoke such pious words unto his
mother, almost insensible, and unto the son of Sumitr^, be-
wailing and racked with sorrow, as he was justified to utter
on that occasion. "I know, Oh Lakshmana, thy deep res-
pects unto me and thy power. It is not proper for thee to
pain me along with my mother, not being cognizant of my
intention. Righteousness, wealth, and the objects of desire
are looked upon with great esteem in this world of the created
but when the occasion for obtaining the result consequent
upon the virtuous deeds of a prior life appears,all these three,
I have no doubt, are fulfilled in righteousness, as the wife
alone, obedient, charming and having a son (fulfils them all).
It is not becoming for us to perform all those things where
these three do not combine — whence results righteousness
that we should resort to. A man seeking wealth becomes
despicable, and one subject to desires is not admired by any
(when bereft of righteousness). Who of us, having no ten-
dency to wickedness, shall not obey the command of
our father knowing it to be righteousness, who is old, our
monarch and preceptor in military training, be it an outcome
of his desires, anger or joy. For this it is that I am unable
to act against my father's vow — he is our father and there-
fore can command us both like a master ; and he is the
husband of this venerable one, therefore her stay and right-
eousness itself. The righteous monarch is still living and
continues in his own path when ready to redeem his vow even

354 RlMlVANA

by renouncing me — how can this Worshipful one accompany
me like other insignificant widows ? Do thou permit me
therefore, to repair unto the forest and perform benedictory
ceremonies for me so that I may again return home like unto
Yajati regaining heaven by truth. I cannot neglect eminent
fame being impelled by avarice for kingdom alone. Life is
but of short duration, Oh worshipful one, and as such I do
not long for acquiring this nether earth by means unrighteous/'
RSLma, that foremost of men, with a view to range into the
forest Dandaka after patiently propitiating his mother and
instructing fi^lly his younger brother the mysteries of righteo-
usness, went round his mother with reverence and made up
his mind to repair unto the forest.

SECTION XXII.

:00:«

EREAFTER holding the equanimity of mind with patience
self-possessed R§ma spoke thus unto the son of SumilrSy
his dear brother, and friend, who was greatly sorry, bad lost
his patience and was pressed down with this misfortune of
R§m.i, and had his eyes inflated with anger like unto an in-
furiated elephant j — "Subduing this anger and sorroWi
taking recourse to patience only, brooking the insult and
resorting to joy, do thou set aside all those things that have
been collected here for my installation and make preparations
speedily for my repairing to the forest. Oh son of Sumitrlp
do thou take that amount of trouble for preventing now the
collection of materials for installation, as didst thou take
beforehand for collecting them. Do thou act therefore in
such a way as will remove the apprehension from the mind
of our mother (Kaikeyi), who is troubled at heart so greatly

A YODHrf^Ki^NDAM. 257

on hearing of my installationH ^^'' *•
cannot neglect for a moment the tr
ker mind on account of this fear. I dLakshmana, the mighty
done on any occasion wilfully or >luctance, pondered for
that is displeasing onto my father or mo\py and grief, with
of truthful words and vows and he has bee^ob hot and hard,
by the fear of the oext world ; may his fear ^ to another.
If this work of installation be not stopped, myN^ns, which
be greatly pained at heart thinking that his vowsS^mities
be fulfilled and his sorrow will also ache me. And it n^usly
this reason, Oh Lakshmana, that I purpose speedily to reC
from this city to the forest, renouncing the preparations for
my installation. On my wandering away unto the forest
to-day, the daughter of Kekaya shall have her ends attained
and shall install Bharata on the throne without any distur-
bance whatsoever. Myself going to the forest, wearing bark,
tiger-skin and matted hair, Kaikeyi shall attain the happiness
of her mind. That great One, who has inspired Kaikeyi with
this mode of mind and has kept it firm, I cannot offend. I
shall repair hence without any delay. Do thou regard. Oh
Lakshmana, Destiny as the only cause of this transfer of the
kingdom, although attained^ and of my banishment. Had not
Destiny been instrumental in bringing about this determina-
tion in Kaikeyi, she would not have been so much persever-
ing in the infliction of misery upon me. Knowest thou. Oh
gentle Lakshmana, that I have never made any distinction in
my mind between my mothers, nor did Kaikeyi make any
such thing before between me and her son ; consequently it
is Destiny only that has made her press for the prevention of
my installation and for my exile with harsh and cruel words,
or else why should she, a daughter of a king and possessed
of an excellent temper and high accomplishments, speak
painful words unto me in the presence of her husband like
unto an ordinary woman. That which is above comprehen-
sion is Destiny and it is beyond the power of creatures to

A Y ODH rlKANDA M. « 5 7

SECTION XXII I.

>EING addressed by Rima thus, Lakshmana, the mighty
hero,hanging down his head with half reluctance^ pondered for
sometime, and, placed midway between joy and grief, with
frown drawn in between his brows, began to sob hot and hard,
like unto an angry serpent in a cave belonging to another.
No body could eye his face, having terrible frowns, which
looked like that of an angry lion. Moving the extremities
of his hands like unto the trunk of an elephant, variously
Altering the altitude of the neck above his frame, glancing a
look awry, thus spoke he unto his brother. "To avoid the
transgression of righteousness, and the degradation of the
people (consequent upon a bad example), thou art eager to
repair unto the forest. This thy eagerness is certainly mis-
placed. Wast not thou under error, how could one like thy-
self, being heroic among the Kshatriyas, and capable of
overcoming Destiny, speak in such a strain as behoves one
that is impotent. Why dost thou extol Destiny which is
powerless and weak. For what reason dost thou not appre-
hend (unrighteousness) in those two (Da^aratha and Kaikeyi),
addicted to vice. Dost thou not understand that there are
many people who feign piety outwardly (to deceive the
simple). With a desire to renounce thee by fraud,they simulate
piety which is but selfishness. Had they not purposed
thus, Oh, Raghava, things would not have taken such a turn.
If this story of the vows be true, then why had it not been
declared before. Surely has the monarch engaged in an
action hateful to the people, namely the installation of a
younger brother neglecting thee (the eldest one). Pray,pardon
me, Oh great hero, I cannot brook all this. Even that so called
virtue do I loathe, which has, O high-souled one, fascinated
thee, and made thy mind run from one extreme to another.*

♦ Formerly the mind was for accepting the kingdom,'and now for going jq
the forest as an exUe. These are the two extremes here meant. — ^T.

15^ RlMlFANA.

Why shalt thou,being capable of work, conform these impioos
and cursed words of thy father, who is sadly under the influ*
ence of Kaikeyi. Here lies my sorrow that thou dost not
admit that this disturbance of the installation has arisen
out of the pretext of boon giving ; thy idea of virtue is indeed
an object of censure. People will mark this thy forsaking
of the kingdom for redeeming the vows of thy father, with
opprobrium. Who else, save thee, even thinks of compassing
the desires of the monarch and the queen Kaikeyi, who are
of unrestrained habits, ever intent on our mischief and are our
enemies known by the name of parents. Even if their throwing
obstacles in the way of thy installation thou considerest, as
the inevitable action of Destiny — pray disregard it, that does
not please me. He, who is tremulous, weak and powerless,
follows the track of Destiny ; they pay no regard to it who
are mighty heroes and whose prowess is held in esteem by
the people. He, who can avert the consequences of Destiny
by dint of his manliness, does not lose heart even in the face
of his interest being endangered by it. People shall witness
to-day the power of Destiny and manliness ; this day shall
appear which of them is more powerful. Those who have
witnessed before the prevention of thy installation by the evil
agency of Destiny, shall see it defeated, even this very day,
by my manliness. Thwart shall I that assailing Destiny by
my prowess like unto a terrible elephant, freed of its shackles
past the restraining power of -a goading hook and inflamed
with the juice issuing out of its temples. What of the
father, not even all the protectors of the regions nor the
entire population of the three worlds shall be able to
present any obstacle in the way of Raima's installation. Those
who have, with one voice, Oh king, settled about thy exile
unto the forest, shall be banished today for fourteen year^.
Burn shall I down that hope of my father and Kaikeyi that
they want to place Bharata on the throne by hindering thy
installation. Influence of destiny shall not bring my oppo-

A YODHFlKlNDAM, 159

nents that amount of happiness, as the misery inflicted on
them by my terrible prowess. Thyself retiring unto the
forest after governing the people for a thousand years, thy
sons shali resume the administration. Dwelling into the
forest is permitted after making over (the charge of the
subjects unto (the hands of the) sons, as did the Rajarshis of
old. The monarch changing his mind, the kingdom shall
be transferred into another's hands — dost thou, being afraid
of this, want to fly as an exile unto the forest ? And is it ior
this, that thou Oh virtuous souled R&ma, dost not wish to
have kingdom for thee ? I do promise unto thee, Oh great
hero, that I shall protect thy kingdom like unto shore pro-
tecting the sea, or else I shall not attain to the region of
heroes. Do thou perform the rites of installation with
things necessary for benediction-^do thou engage in these
affairs— myself alone shall be able by force to thwart the
opposition of the kings. These hands of mine are not in-
tend«d for enhancing the beauty of my body — this bow is
not meant for an ornament only, this sword is not for bind-
ing woods together with, and these arrows are not for carrying
the weight of woods — these four belonging to me are for
the use of killing the enemies. Never do I desire that I
shall not cut them into pieces with sharp edged swords, brilli-
ant as the lightning, whom I do consider as my enemies,
though they be redoutable as Indra, the wielder of thunder-
bolt. Cover thick shall I the field of battle and make it
impassable by cutting assunder the trunks of the elephants,
thighs of the horses and heads of the infantry. Being be-
headed by my swords like unto the flaming fire and bes-
meared with blood resembling the clouds with lightning,
my enemies shall fall down to the ground. Who is there,
proud of his own prowess, that shall be able to withstand me
when I shall appear at the battle field with bows and leathern
fences of fingers. Killing one with a number of arrows, and
sometimes many with a single one, I shall drive shafts into

2^0 RlMlFANA.

the vital organs of men, horses and elephants. To-day shal I
display my skill in arms in destroying the supremacy of the
monarch and establishing thine. That hand, which is fit for
the smearing of the Sandal, for wearing armlets, distributing
wealth and maintaining relations, shall be engaged to-day.
Oh Rima, in performing its worthy action — the discomfiture
of them who want to throw obstacles in the way of thy instal-
lation. Pray tell me no*v, which of your enemies shall be
cut off by me from wealth, life and relatives ? I am thy
servant : do thou give me instruction that the whole earth
may be brought under thy subjection". That descendant of
Raghu, wiping tears off the eyes of Lakshmana and con-
soling him repeatedly, spoke unto him saying '*0h gentle
one, I have thought it to be the best way by all means that
I shall abide by my father's orders."

SECTION XXIV.

EEING RSima deternr/med upon carrying out his father's
behests, Kau9alya with her voice choked with vapour begot
of tears, spoke unto him the following pious words.
•'How shall this virtuous-souled one, beloved of people and
who has never experienced misfortune before, live on grains
gleaned, being born of me to Da9aratha ? How shall
that Rama live upon fruits and roots, whose servants and
attendants fare on well cooked rice ? Who shall believe,
or believing who shall not be afraid, that this highly accom<
plished descendant of KSUuthstha, favourite of the king,
is going to be exiled ? Certainly Destiny, who crowns oi
afflicts people with happiness or misery, is the most power-
ful agency in the world, or why shalt thou, Oh pleasing
Rama, fly as an exile unto the forest ? This great and in-
comparable fire of sorrow issuing from ray mind, inflamed

AyODUylKlNDAM. z&i

by the wind of thy absence, increased by the fuels of lamen-
tation and pain, kindled by hard sobs, obtaining the oblations
of tears, vomiting the smoke of vapour begotten of anxious
thoughts — the result of counting upon the days of thy return,
shall consume me, making greatly lean, when deprived of
thy presence, as does the fire burn the dry grass in summer.
Like unto a cow following its young one shall I follow thee,
Oh my darling, wherever shalt thou go/' Hearing those
words of his mother, RSLma that best of men, spoke the
following words unto her, who was greatly troubled with
sorrow. "The monarch has been duped by Kaikeyi ; myself
resorting to the forest, surely shall he resign his life, if cast
off again by thee. There is nothing more cruel for women
than the forsaking of their husbands ; it does not behove thee
therefore, to think even of this opprobrious action. Do thou
serve this descendant of Kakuthstha, my father, and the lord
of the earth as long as he lives — know thou this to be the
eternal virtue."

Thus addressed by Rima, Kauyalya of auspicious looks,
being gratified greatly^ spoke unto him, the remover of her
sorrows. "Truly it is." ReLma, the foremost amongst religious
men, being spoken thus, said to his mother, who was
greatly disturbed with sorrow, again in the following
strain. "Proper it is both for thee and me to carry out
father's words : he is thy husband, and my best preceptor
and the lord and master of all people. With great
pleasure shall I abide in thy words after passing these
nine and five years in the great forest." Thus addressed,
Kau9aly^, bearing great affection for her son, sorely pained
and having her eyes full of tears, spoke unto herbeloved
son the following words. "Oh Rama, I shall not be able
to live amongst these co-wives, if art thou resolved to
go to the forest for the discharge of thy father's behest }
do thou take roe with thee. Oh Kakuthstha, like unto a wild
hind. R^ma, supressing his feeling, spoke unto his mother

262 RImXFANA.

who was lamenting, thus, saying : — ''Husband isth^ deity an
master of the wife as long as she lives ; so the nionarch bein;
the lord can deal with thee and me in any way he like!
That highly intelligent lord of men living, we should not con
sider ourselves as without a master. Bharata is also pious an<
beloved of all people in speech — he, intent on the performanc
of religious services, shall attend upon thee always. Do tho
now take care that on my retiring the monarch does not wea
away by the pangs of my separation, that this terrible sorrov
may not kill him. Do thou look after the welfare of th<
old king always. The woman, who serves not her husband
being engaged in excellent religious rites and fasts, shall far
wretchedly in the life to come ; and a woman gets at the excel
lent abode of the celestials by serving her husband. Evei
those who do not worship and bow unto the celestial's shouI<
serve their husbands alone being intent upon their welfare
Such is the virtue that should be always pursued by womei
according to the Vedas and Smrttts. Do thou beguile th;
time, Oh worshipful one, expecting my return, by worshippinj
the celestials with flowers and oblations unto the fire an<
serving well the Brahmins. Engaged in discipline and fastinj
and devoted to the services of thy husband thou shal
attain thy best desire, on my return, if this foremost of piou;
men lives then. Being thus accosted by RSima, Kau^alyi
being distressed with the thought of separation from her son
spoke unto him with tears in her eyes the following words
"Oh my darling ! it is beyond my power to disiuade the<
from thy firm resolution for going to the forest j it is im
possible to avoid this hour of separation. Go thou my soo
with an earnest heart ; may thou fare well ; my anxiety shal
be removed on thy return. Attain shall I then grca
happiness, when Ihou, Oh great one, shalt return after satis
fying your vows and making thyself freed of debts unt
thy father. Incomprehensible is the action of Destiny ii
this world, Oh my son, as it drives thee away unto the forest

A YODHYlKkNDA M. 263

Oh RSLghava, neglecting my request. Do thou now repair,
Oh mighty hero, and come back in peace, and console me
with soul-soothing, tender words. Oh my darling, shall that
day ever come, when I shall see thee return from the forest,
wearing bark and matted hair." With great earnestness, the
worshipful one began to eye RcLma, determined to go as an
exile unto the forest and spoke unto him auspicious words and
became desirous of performing benedictory ceremonies.

SECTION XXV.

JjlAUCALYA subduing her sorrow,and touching holy water,
began to perform auspicious ceremonies for Rama, and spoke
unto him saying '*Do thou. Oh best amongst the descendants
of Raghu, repair now, as I cannot dissuade thee, but do thou
return speedily and, follow the footsteps of great ones. Let
that virtue. Oh best of RSghavas, protect thee, which thou
hast followed with gladness and self-discipline. Let the deities,
whom you worship every day in the temple, together with
the Maharshis protect thee in the forest. Let those weapons
conferred upon thee by the great Visvimitra protect thee
always, gifted with good qualities. Do thou of mighty hands
live forever, being protected by the truth and merit of thy
continual services to thy father and mothers. May the
holy fuel, sacrificial grass, sanctified altars and court-yards,
the sacred ground of medicant BrShmins, mountaini?, trees
great and small, lakes, birds, Serpents and lions protect thee.
Oh best of men, may Sidhya* BishvadevaA Maruta.X the
great ascetics, the sustainer, an j the preserver of the creation

* An inferior deity or demigod. — T.

t Deities of a particular class in which ten are enumerated ; their names
are Kas«, Satya^ and so forth. — T.
X A deity personifying wind. — T.

t64 RlMlVANA.

Pusa^^ Bhaga^'^ Aryamd^X ^^^ Lokap&las^^ headed by tndi
and others, the six seasons, the months, day, night,moinenl
Smlisy^ Smritis,\\ and virtue protect thee, Oh my 80D| on a
sides. May the great deity Skanda, Soma, Vnhaspafi, Sa^
tars/it) Narad, Moon and other ascetics protect thee. Ma
the encircled regions with their lords, being pleased with nn
eulogy, protect thee, Oh my son, always in the forest. Whc
shalt thou repair unto the wood, may the mountains, ocean
Varuna, the heaven, sky, earth, air, things movable and in
movable, planets and stars with their presiding deities, da;
night, and evening protect thee. May the six seasons, montl
years and all the divisions of time confer upon the
pleasure always, when thou of great intelligence shalt wand(
away into the forest in the attire of an ascetic. May U
deities and demons ever minister unto thy happiness an
may not fear proceed unto thee. Oh my son, from the terrib
R^ksashas and Pis^chas intent on committing cruel deed
and other animals living on flesh. May the apes, scorpion
wild gnats, reptiles and insects make thee no harm ; may n<
the elephants, tigers, terrible looking bears, hogs, buffalo
and other horned animals hurt thee. Being worshipped I
me from here may the ferocious cannil>al races of all kit
bring thee no injury. May thy course be crowned wil
auspiciousness and thy powers with success. Do thou, C
my son, repair unto the forest, being profusely provide
with fruits, roots and other things. May all the creatures
the sky, all those who breathe on this Earth, and all thoi
deities who are hostile unto thee, contribute to thy welfai
May Siikra Somay Sun, the lord of wealth and Death, prote

• The sun.— T.
t The moon. — T.

X A class of manes or deified progenitors. — T.

S Those deities who protect the rcf»ions, vi^., the san, raoon, fire wii
Indra, Varna, Varuna, Kurcra. — T,

•* The r«/«i severally or collectively. — T.

The body of laws as delivered by Manu or others. — T.

A YODHrlKlNDAM, 265

thee, Oh R^ma, resorting to the forest of Dandaka. May fire,
air, smoke and the mantras uttered by the Rishis protect thee,
Oh descendant of Raghu, at the time of thy bathing. May the
lord of creation, Rishis and all the remaining deities defend
thee when dwelling in the forest.

That best of women Kaucalya, of great renown and having
expansive eyes, after propitiating the celestials with gar-
lands, fragrant odours and praises, began to offer oblations
unto the fire by the help of eminent Brahmins for the welfare
of Rama, collecting clarified butter, white garlands, reli-
gious fig trees and white mustard seeds for this pur-
pose. The spiritual preceptor, after offering oblations unto
the fire with due rites for his peace and health, presenting
what was then left as offerings unto the lords of the four car-
dinal points and others,* and giving the Brahmins a dish of
curd, ghee and honey, made them utter benedictory prayers
for Rama who was going unto the forest. Then that renown-
ed mother of Rama, after conferring upon the Brahmins
dakhshinds^ in accordance with their desires, accosted RSlgha-
va with the following words. "May that blessing crown the'Cf
which was attained by the thousand eyed Indra, honored pf
all the deities on the occasion of killing the mighty
Vetra. May that blessing attend thee, which was invo
in olden times by Vinata, for that king of birds Garuda^

* The Garhyastabali or the daily offering of the householder, meant here,
may be thus explained. After the performance of oblation unto the fire, the
householder should present offerings to the lords of the four cardinal points.—
Indra, Yama, Varuna, Soma and to their retinue. The offering for the Marutas
should be placed on the threshold ; for the presiding deities of the water in
water ; for the lords of the forest unto the wooden pestle arid mortar ; for Sri and
Bhadrakali on the grounds adjacent to the beddings on the side of the head and
that of the feet respectively ; for Brahmanspati and Vastupati on the site of tha
habitation ; for Visvadeva and for day and night thrown in the air of the house,
for Sarvatmabhuta scattered on the terrace. After offering to all these what
remains should be thrown on the south for the manes. The offerings to the
dogs, the fallen, the dregs of the people, the lepers, the crows and the worms
and the insects should be placed on uncovered ground.

266 RlMll'ANA.

praying for nectar. Do thou attain thai blessedness, fo
which Aditi prayed, on behalf of the weilder of thunder*bo1
intent on the discomfiture of the giants at the time c
ransacking the ocean for nectar. May that prosperity wai
upon thee, Oh Raima, which crowned the mighty Vishnif, whil
perambulating with his three steps the heaven earth and tb
regions as a dwarf. May the Rishis, the great oceans, islands
the three worlds, Vcdas^ the regions, lend their might in th
advancement of thy welfare.'' Saying this Kau9alyS, tb
foremost of all women, having expansive eyes, placed tbi
grains on Raima's head ; sprinkled his body with fragrao
substances, and tied to his hands, as amulet, twigs of sud
auspicious plants as visalyakarani^ with due menta
repetition of majitras. That excellent one of high renown
embracing Rama and smelling his bead, with her voio
choked, as if all pleased^ though placed under thi
influence of dire distress in reality, uttered mantras am
spoke unto him thus. ''Oh my son, Oh RSma, have tb]
desires attained — and do thou go, wherever thou likest.
shall sec thee, Oh my darling, with great delight, when shal
thou, returning Ayodhya in excellent health and having al
thy ends satisfied, resume the administration of thy kingdom
Myself having sorrows removed and having my face glowioj
with joy, sliall see thee coming from the forest like unti
the rising of the full moon. Continually shall I eye thy goo<
self, Oh my son sitting on an auspicious seat, and return
ing from the forest after making good thy father's behests
May thou returning from the forest and being dressed witl
royal robes and ornaments, satisfy the desires of my daughter
in-law. Worshipped have I deities headed by Siva am
others, the great ascetics, the genii and the snakes ; ma;
they all and the four cardinal points, Oh R^ghava, contri
bute to ihy welfare, who, art going unto the forest for a lonj
time." Kau9alya, having her eyes full of tears, and pec
forming the benedictory ceremonies with due rites, wen

A YODHrlKlNDAM. 167

round Raghava with solemnity, and seeing him again and
again sighed hot and hard. Being gone round by his mother
thus, Rftghava, of great fame, and resplendent with the
splendour of beauty, proceeded towards the abode of SitS,
after bowing down unto the feet of his mother repeatedly.

SECTION XXVI.

;AMA, intent on repairing unto the forest, and treading
in pious tracks, after duly saluting Kau^alyS and beautifying
the royal road, crowded with people, captivated their hearts
by means of his high accomplishments. Vaidehi, ever
engaged in ascetic rites, did not hear of all these affairs ;
there was in her heart only the thought of Rama's installation.
That daughter of the king, after offering her service unto
the deities according to the proper royal rites, was eagerly
awaiting the approach of R^ma with a grateful and pleased
heart. Entered R^ma this beautiful abode, excellently fur-
nished and filled with people highly delighted, having his
head hanging down a little with shame. SitS, seeing her
husband, racked with sorrow and troubled in mind with
anxiety, rose up trembling from her seat. Seeing her, that
virtuous soulcd Raghava, could not bear his internal sorrow,
which manifested itself by external signs. Finding him with
face pale and perspiring, and incapable* of containing grief
within, Sita sore distressed with sorrow addressed him, saying,
"Oh iny lord, why do I perceive such a change in thee ? To-
day the constellation Pushya is in conjunction with the moon,
and planet Vrihaspati is presiding over this conjunction,
this day has been declared as the most auspicious one by
the learned Bribmins, then why do thou cherish such a sorrow
in thy mind ? Why has not thy charming face been placed
un der the shade of an umbrella, having hundred ribs and

268 RlMlFANA.

and white as a watery foam ? Why do not the servants fa
thee, having eyes like lotus' petals, with chowries whit
as the moon or a goose ? I do not see thee, Oh best of mei
eulogised with auspicious songs by the panegyrists, ena
miasts and family bards. Why do not the BrShmins, verse
in the Vedas, observing the formal rites, sprinkle on th
head honey and curd, after washing it duly ? Why are m
thy subjects, citizens, urbans, and leading members of sociel
dressed and adorned, willing to follow thee ? Why does n<
that excellent sport-chariot go before thee, having four fai
going steeds, adorned with golden ornaments tied unto it
Why does not that excellent elephant precede thee, Oh grcj
hero, which is gifted with auspicious marks and resembli
a mass of dark clouds and a mighty hill ? Why do not tl
servants run before thee, Oh mighty hero, with a pretty lool
ing royal seat embroidered with gold ? Why do I perceii
thy face so pale as never seen before, and why therein
no mark of gladness, when every thing for thy install;
tion has been made ready ?" Wereupon spoke un
that weeping Sit5, the descendant of Raghu thus : — "C
Sita, Oh thou born of a great family, versed in the knoi
ledge of religion and intent on the performance of religioi
rites, my father has b.ini>]icd me unto the forest ! Do the
hear. Oh daughter of Janaka, how has this calamity befalU
me. In the days of yore was granted unto my mothc
Kaikcyi two boons by my father, king Da9aratha of trutbf
vows. When every thing was made ready by my father f(
my installation, Kaikeyi reminded him of his promise ai
gained over him for his righteousness. I shall live in tl
forest of Dandaka for fourteen years and Bharata shall 1
installed by my father as the heir apparent of the thron
And myself bound to fly as an exile unto the wood, ha^
come here to see thee ; do thou not praise me ever befo
Bharata. Those who are crowned with prosperity cann
bear another's praise ; it therefore behoves thee not to est

A VODHYAKANDAM, 269

my virtues in the presence of Bhar^ta. Thou shouldst
not extol me even in the company of thy friends ; thou shalt
be then able to live with Bharata as one favourable to his
party. The monarch has granted him this lasting heir
apparentship ; it is therefore proper for thee, Oh Sita, to
please him specially for he is the king now. To day shall
I repair unto the forest for redeeming my father's vows ; do
thou, Oh high-minded one, live here in undisturbed mind.
Do thou. Oh sinless and auspicious one, live here engaged
in religious rites and fasts, when I shall wend my way unto
the forest inhabited by the great ascetics. Rising from the
bed early in the morning, adore the deities every day, and
then bow down unto the feet of my father Dagaratha, the
lord of men. My mother Kau9alya is old and much pressed
down with sorrow ; do thou show proper respects unto her,
considering it to be a pious deed. Thou shouldst then bow
down unto my other mothers who all minister unto mfe, with
equal love and affection. Shouldst thou specially regard
Bharata and Satrugna like unto thy sons or brothers,
who are dearer unto me than my life itself. Thou shouldst
not do, Oh Vaidehi, any such thing as might be unpleasant
unto Bharata, for he is the king of the land as well as of
the family.

The monarchs are always propitiated by being served with
assiduity and good temper ; they are offended when any
thing contrary to it happens. They renonnce even their ow^n
son, born of their loins, when they find him bringing about
their mischief, and admit into their favour persons devoted
to their welfare bearing no relationship whatever. It therefore
behoves thee. Oh auspicious one, to live here, abiding by
Bharata's commands and being engaged in religious rites
and truthful vows. I am going unto the forest. Oh my dar-
ling, and thou shalt live here. Oh excellent lady, abide by
my word as didst thou never formerly falsify it.

a/o RXmIYANA.

SECTION XXVII.

EiNG addressed thus, Vaidehi, beloved and sweet speed
cd, spoke unto her husband the following words, offende
as it were on account of her great affection. "Is it that tho
speakest me thus, thinking me, no doubt, mean minded ? I ca
hot but laugh at thy words, Oh best of men ; what tbou hai
said is not becoming of a mighty prince versed in militai
arts and is really very opprobrious and infamous. Whatmor
it is not proper even to hear them. Oh dear husband, fathe
mother, son, brother, daugther-in-law, all of them abide t
the consequences of their own actions, it is the wife aIon<
Oh best of men, that shares the fate of her husband ; it ;
therefore that ever along with thee I have been ordered 1
live in the forest. Neither father, mother, son, friends, ni
her ownself is the stay of a woman in this or in after lifi
it is the husband alone that is her only support. If dost the
repair to-day unto the forest impregnable, I shall go befoi
thee, Oh Raghava, treading upon the thorns and prickl
grass. Confident do thou take me with thee, Oh great hen
renouncing jealousy and indignation, like unto water le
after drinking; there exists no sin in me that could justil
forsaking. Unto woman is preferable under all circumtancc
the shade of her husband's feet to the tops of a palac
the celestial car or excursion in the airy path.* I have bee
taught by my father and mother to follow my husband in a
conditions of life ; and I shall carry out now what I have bee
taught ; I shall not abide by any other counsel. I shall wen
my way unto the forest impassable, devoid of men. inhabitc
by various deers, tigers and other voracious animals. Happil
shall I live there as if in my paternal house, giving no thougl
upon the prosperity of the three worlds, thinking on

♦ It was generally believed that by cei-tain processes of Yoga one aeqaira
power to fly in the air. — T.

A YODHVlKlNDAM. 271

of the services that are to be rendered ynto my husband. I
shall sport with thee, Oh great hero,in that forest impregnated
with the fragrance of flowers, tending thee conslantly,
having my senses subdued, and being engaged in austere
performances. Oh great hero, capable art thou to maintain
many thousand others in the forest, what of me. Surely
shall I go to-day to the forest with thee ; there is no doubt
about it and thou shalt not be able, Oh great hero, to dis-
suade me from so doing. Undoubtedly I shall always live
upon roots and fruits ; living with thee always I shall not bring
about thy affliction. Always I shall precede thee when walk-
ing,and shall take my repast after thou hast taken it. Willing
am I to view mountains, rivulets, lakes and ponds. Being
fearless in thy company, Oh my intelligent husband and great
hero, I shall behold on all sides ponds filled with wild geese
and ducks and beautified with a collection of fullblown lotuses,
and shall bathe there every day, pursuing the same vow with
thee. And greatly gratified, I shall, Oh thou having expansive
eyes, amuse there with thee, in this manner, even for hundred
or thousand years. I shall never experience the reverse of
fortune, inasmuch as I do not like to live in the abode of
celestials. Oh RSLghava, if I am to dwell there without thee \
no, it is not pleasing unto me, Oh best of men. I shall go
there in that dense forest full of deers, monkeys and elephants
and live there as if under my paternal roof cleaving unto thy
feet and abiding in thy pleasure. Do thou accept my entreaty
whose heart is entirely thine, knows none else, and is ever at-
tached unto thee, and who am resolved to die if forsaken by
thee 5 thus repairing I shall be in no way a burden unto thee'^
That best of men, reluctant to take SitSl with him, who had
spoken thus and who was greatly attached to virtue, related
unto her about the many miseries consequent upon dwelling in
the forest^ with a view to prevent her from following him.

272 RlAllVANA.

SECTION XXVMI

X HAT lover of virtue, thinking of the miseries of t
forest, resolved not to take Sita with him, who was versed
religious lores and had spoken thus. And consoling her who
eyes were stained with tears, that virtuous-souled one spo
unto her the following words with a view to prevent b
from going. *'0h Sit^, thou art born of an illustrio
family and ever intent on the performance of religious deed
do thou practise virtue here as it may conduce to the bap]
ness of my mind. Oh Sita, Oh thou of the weaker sex, <
thou act up to my counsels ; there are evils enough in t
forest, do thou learn them from me who am about to dw<
in it. Renounce therefore. Oh SitSi, thy intention of flyii
as an exile unto the forest, which for its impenitrablen<
is said to abound in evils. It is for thy welfare that I gi
utterance to these words ; happiness there is none, it
always covered with miseries. The roarings of the lio
living in the caves of mountains, swelling with the soun
of the waterfalls, produce a very painful impression up
the ears ; so the wood is full of misery. Animals, all ma
deiied, sporting in solitude, seeing (man),approach to atta
him ; so the wood is full of misery. The rivers are full
crocodiles, sharks, and other fearful animals, muddy and i
passable and always infested with infuriated elephants ;
the wood is full ot misery. There the wayfares are cover
with creepers and thorns : they are void of drinking wai
ever resounded with the noise of the wild towls ; so the wo
is full of misery. Being exhausted with the toil of the da
the dwellers of the wood have to sleep in night on the b
made of leaves fallen from the trees on the surface of t
ground ; so the wood is full of misery. With the (supply <
fruits that have fallen from the trees man of self discipli
must content himself morning and evening ; so the woe

A YODHFlKXNDAM. 373

O Sita, is full of misery. One has to fast, O Maithili,
according to his mighti to wear matted hair and bark, to
adore the deities and his ancestors according to due rites,
every day to serve the guests that come to him, and
observing the rules of asceticism, to bathe every day thrice,
namely, in the morning, in the mid-day and in the evening;
so the wood is full of misery. One has to offer presents
of flowers collected by his ownself unto the altars, O SitS,
according to the rites of the ascetics ; so the wood is full of
misery. Those that dwell in the forest will have to remain
content, having practised moderation in food, O Maithili,
with whatever edibles are attainable in the forest ; so the
wood is full of misery. There are always violent winds,
darkness, hunger, and great fear; so the wood is full of
misery. Reptiles, many and of various kinds, creep there
on the path, O excellent lady, with haughtiness ; so the wood
is full of misery. And snakes living in the rivers and of
crooked course like them, always await the wayfarers,
hindering the passers-by : so the wood is full of misery.
Birds, scorpions, insects musquitos and wild gnats, always
disturb the dwellers, O fair one of the weaker sex ; so the
wood is full of misery. There are trees full of thorns, having
their branches moving to and fro, and the kusa and kdsa
grasses with thorny blades constantly undulating ; so tho
wood is full of misery. There are various physical afflictions
and divers fears and great misery consequent upon living in
the forest. Anger and desires are to be renounced, the heart
is to be set on ascetic austerities, fear in the fearful objects is
to be cast off; so the wood is full of misery. Thou shouldst
not therefore go unto the forest — it forebodes no good unto
thee. Weighing w^eli, have I concluded that the forest
abounds in innumerable evils.'' While the high-souled RSlma,
resolved thus not to take Siti with him unto the forest, she,
greatly sorry, did not accept his words and spoke unto him in
the following way.

«74 RXmXYANA.

SECTION XXIX.

XJLEARING these words of RAma, Sita greatly sorryi iv
tears in her eyes, spoke gently unto him the following wor
''The evils, thus enumerated by thee of living in the fon
do thou know, appear as so many good qualities unto i
who have been made forward by thy affection. Deer, lio
elephants, tigers, saravas^ chamaras,^ srimarasX and oti
animals which have not seen thee before, seeing thee,
RSghava, will stand oflF, for they all fear thee. I sb
follow thee, taking the permission of the respected oii<
without thee, O RSma, I will renounce my life. If I li
by thee, O RSghava, Sakra^ the lord of celestials, shall t
be able with his mighty power to defeat me. 'A wonu
without her husband, cannot live' ; this truth has been point
out by thee, O R§ma, unto me. BeHides, I heard befoi

0 thou of great intelligence, in my paternal house from t
Billhmanas that I should live in the forest. I have hea
this from the Br&hmanas versed in palmistry, and I have <
along been anxious, O mighty hero, to go to the forest ;
shall therefore obtain permission and go, O dearly belovc
unto the forest with thee ; nothing can make it otherwii

1 shall secure permission and follow thee; the time h
arrived ; may the BrSihmanas be of truthful words ! I kno
O great hero, that there are many evils incident to livii
in the forest ; but they generally befall those men who ha
not their senses subdued. I heard, when I was a girl^ th
an ascetic woman of well-disciplined character, came to n
mother and apprised her of my future abode in the fora

J ' ^— ^—^^^— ■ I — ^^^.^—^ ^— i ■ ■ ■^^^^^^^^^^^■^i^i^^i^^^— ^M^^^^-^^^i^^^^w^i^— ^^M^w^^^B^^ai^^^^^^^^^^^^

* A fabulous animal supposed to have eight legs and to inhabit particuhi
the snowy mountains.— T.

t A kind of deer, or rather the Bo% Crunnien^ erroneously classed by I
llin<lu writers amongst the deer.— T.

\ A young deer.— T.

A YODHYlKlNDAM. 275

I had requested thee, O my lord, many times before in this
house to take me to the forest with thee for enjoyment,
and thou wast pleased to agree. For thy welfare, O Raghava,
having received thy permission to follow thee, I like to serve
thee, O great hero, while living in the forest.

O thou, pure-hearted one, surely shall I become sinless
if I follow my husband,out of affection ; for my husband is my
Divinity. I have heard this pious report from the Brahmanas
of great fame that eVen in after life thy company is greatly
beneficial unto me. She, who has been given away as wife
by her father to one, with due rites of gift peculiar to each
class, touching holy water, shall be his, even in her after
life. For what reason then dost thou not wish to take thy
wife with thee who is of good character and devoted to her
husband ? Do thou take me, O Kikuthstha, who am poor
in spirit, devoted to my husband, ever given to thy service,
and participating equally in thy joy and sorrow. If thou dost
not purpose to take me with thee, surely will I do away with
my life by drinking poison, entering into fire, or drowning
myself in water.'' She begged RSLma in these and various other
means to take her with him, but that mighty hero did not
consent to lead her into the lonely forest. Being accosted
thus, Maithili was wrapt up in thought and bathed her breast
with tears trickling down from her eyes. And KSlkuthstha
having control over his ownself, with a view to dissuade her
who was angry and engrossed in anxious thoughts, began to
console her in divers ways.

»76 RlAlAVANA.

SECTION XXX,

X>E!NG consoled thus by RSLma, maithili, the daugh
of Janaka, tearing separation, lovingly and haughtily laugh
at RSghava of spacious breast, and spoke unto him, I
husband, the following words with a view to follow him
the forest. "What thought of thee, O RAma, my father, I
king of MithilSl, accepting thee as his son-in-law, who ¥
a man in form but (in deeds) a woman ? Henceforth
people through ignorance say that the sua has not tl
burning flood of light which in RSLma does shine for
woe is them, it is falsehood. Why art thou so deject
and whence is thy fear that thou art willing to leave bebi
thy wife who has none else but thee ? Know me to
perfectly under thy influence like unto Sivitri^ follow!
her husband SatvavAn^ the son of Dumat Sen, 1 have n
like one bringing stigma on her line, ever in my life thouj
of a second person, but of thee whom I must follow into t
forest. Dost thou, like unto an ordinary actor, wish to ha
me over to others, who am chaste, pure as a virgin, and lo
held in conjugal affection ? O sinless one, do thou becoi
subservient and serviceable to him whose pleasure thou bide
me seek, and for whom thou hast suffered thyself to be i
peded (in the installation). It does not behove thee to rep
unto the forest without taking me along with thee. B<
the austerity of an ascetic, the forest or heaven, w
thee will I be everywhere. No toil shall I suffer on the wj
as if lying on a bed of luxury, while following thee
thy footstep. When with thee, the various thorny grass
the Kusa^ the Kdsa, the Sara^ and the Ishika, and t
thistles and brambles on the way, shall be unto me
touch like unto linen and deer-skin. The dust that v
cover me, thrown up by the gush of wind, shall 1
O ravisher of my heart, regarded by me as t

A rODHYlKkNDA M. 277

finest sandal dust. When I shall lie down on the bed of green
grass in the forest, it shall appear to me more pleasant than
one covered with a colored blanket. Fruits, roots and leaves
which thou wilt bring thyself and give me, be they great or
small in quantity, shall be to me like unto the ambrosia-juice.
I shall never think of my father, mother, or my abode j I shall
enjoy fruits and flowers growing in various seasons. Thou shalt
not witness any thing disagreeable there ; for me thou shalt
not experience any sorrow,nor shall I be a burden unto thee ;
do thou take me with thee, O RSlma, conceiving with
pleasure that thy company is a heaven unto me and thy ab-
sence a hell. If Ihou dost not take me unto the forest which
I count freed from all evils, surely I shall drink poison and
never come under the influence of my enemies.When through
affliction I shall not live after separation, better it is, O Lord,
that I die immediately at the time of my being forsaken by
thee ; I cannot bear this grief even for a moment. How shall
I be able to live without thee for fourteen years ?**

Thus lamenting, SitS, racked with sorrow, embraced
her husband and began to cry aloud. Like unto a she-
elephant,she being pierced by the poisonous shafts of RSma's
words, began to shed tears, long kept off, as an Arani vfooA
emits fire continually. Tears caused by her sorrow and
white as the crystal began to trickle down from her eyes,
like unto water falling in drops from lotus petals. And that
beautiful face having expansive eyes and resembling the full
moon in its splendour, with tears became pale and parched,
like unto a lotus taken out of its watery bed. Finding her
almost insensible with sorrow, RSma flung his arms round
her and reviving her (with consolation) spoke the following
words unto her ; "I do not long for, O worshipful one,
even the abode of celestials gained through thy afHiction :
fear there is none for me like unto the self-create BrahmS.
Not apprised of thy full intention, O thou of beautiful count-
enance, I could not, though capable of escorting thee>

278 RXMIFANA.

desire thy abode in the forest. When thou art

0 Maithili, to repair unto the forest with me, I can
leave thee behind, as one possessing self knowledge cafl
renounce munificence. O thou, having thighs resembi
the trunks of an elephant, I shall resort to that virtue wl
was exercised by great and good men going before ;
thou follow me therefore like SuvarchaU following the S

1 cannot but go unto the forest, O daughter of JanakSi
the truthful word of my father leads me thereto. Obediei
unto his parents is the virtue of a son. Disobeyiog I
command of my father I am not eager to live. Vi
should we with meditations and adorations worship Destii
which is not cognizable to the worshippers, neglecting <
parents, who are ever present to our senses ? In \
worship of the parents are fulfilled the triple object
religious pursuit,and the adoration of the three regions ; th<
is nothing equal to it, conducing to purity ; so do I, O tb
of excellent look, resort to it.

Truth, almsgiving, honor, and sacrifices with profuse gi
are not so strengthening (in the life to come) as the servi<
rendered unto the parents. Heaven, wealth, grains, learnii
son, and happinesss, — nothing remains inaccessible unto i
Great souls following the desires, and resorting to I
service of their parents, get at the abodes of celestii
Gandharvas, the seats of BrahmSL and Vishnu, and oti
excellent regions. Therefore do I desire to follow what i
lather commands me, treading in the path of truth,— ^nd tl
is the virtue eternal. My resolution of not taking thee,
Sits, unto the forest of Dandaka is now rent asunder,
thou hast prepared thyself to live in the forest and follow n
Permitted by me, O fair one of exquisite beauty, to rep
unto the forest, do thou follow me, O thou timid one, and
the partner of my righteousness. Thy determination to foll<
me, O beautiful one, is very excellent and is in per(<
keeping with myself and my family. Do thou address thya

I Ay ODH rlKlND A M. 1 79

pairing unto the forest, for without this now even
^n itself does not please me. Do thou give away
^ unto the BrSlhmanas and edibles unto the beggars
^ for them, and make haste without delay. Confer
|the Brahmanas, valuable ornaments, excellent clothes,
lot toys, beds, conveyances and other fine things in thy
ssion and then what remains do thou distribute amongst
jrvants." Convinced that her going to the forest was
id by her husband, Sita began to distribute them speedily
I delighted heart.

SECTION XXXI.

LsARfNG this conversation, Lakshmana, who had gone
before, with tears in his eyes and being unable to bear
^rrible sorrow, took hold of his brother's feet and spoke
into that greatly renowned Sita and R§ghava. ^'If thou
esolved to repair unto the forest filled with deer and
ants, I shall accompany thee, always going before
bows in my hands. Thou shalt range with me in
harming part of the forest which resounds with the
of the birds and the humming of the bees. Alienated
Jiee I do not long for the abode of the celestials, nor for
il life, nor for the wealth of the three regions." The son
siitr^, who spoke thus and was determined upon going
e forest, being repeatedly requested by Rama with
ling words to desist from his purpose, spoke unto him
:)llowing words. ^'Formerly thou didst order me to
' thee ; and why dost thou prevent me now from accom-
ng thee to the forest ? I want to learn, O sinless one,
hou dost prevent me now from following thee. I enter-
grave doubt in this.'' Then the highly effulgent R§ma

28o jRiAjArANA.

spoke thus unto that sedate Lakshmanai who stood praj
before him with clasped hands. ''Thou art sedatey I
of virtue, of peaceful temper, and thou walkest always in
paths of righteousness. I hold thee dear as my life and I
art obedient unto me and art my friend. If thou dost acc
pany me unto the forest, O son of Sumitri, who shall 84
Kau^alya and the highly renowned Sumitri f That hij
effulgent lord of earth who will satisfy the world with
fulfillment of its desires like unto rain spreading in shoii
over the earth, is himself now shackled with desires %
Kaikeyi. That daughter of A^wapati obtaining this king<
from the monarch, there will be no end of the miseries
these co-wives. Bharata attaining the throne and siding
mother, Kaikeyi will never think of Kau^alyi or Suoq
sore distressed with grief. Do thou therefore, O son
Sumitri, live here of thy own accord or by the favour of
monarch, and maintain these worshipful ones. If thou <j
act thus, it will be showing thy best regard in me. O tl
versed in the knowledge of religion, real virtue consist
the adoration of superiors. Do this, O son of SumitrSL,
my sake ; if we all go away leaving her aside, she will no(
happy in any way."

Accosted thus by Rama, Lakshmana, well versed
speech^ spoke unto him the following humble words. '<Be
afraid of thy power, O hero, Bharata shall adore Kau9a
and SumitrSL — there is no doubt about this. If that wicked B
rata obtaining this excellent kingdom, does not maintain ;
take care of them, being impelled by haughtiness and wici
impulses, surely shall I kill him, that wicked-minded o
though he be assisted by the entire population of the three
gions. Besides, that worshipful Kau^alySl, who has made gra
of many thousand villages unto her servants, can main!
thousands of people like us,and has enough to maintain hen
as well as my mother. Do thou therefore permit me to fol
thcci there will be no breach of virtue in this,and I shall h

AYODHylKlNDAM, 281

my desires attained and thy interests shall be secured. I shall
go before thee pointing out thy course, with stringed bows, a
hoe, and a basket in my hands. I shall bring for thee every
day various roots and fruits and other things that grow in the
forest and which the ascetics use in their sacrifice. Thou
shalt amuse thyself with Vaidehi on the sides of the hill, and I
shall perform everything for thee whether thou art asleep or
awake/'

Being extremely gratified with these words, Rima spoke
unto him, saying, — "Do thou follow me, O son of Sumitra,
obtaining permission from all thy relatives. The high-souled
Varuna himself offered two terrible-looking bows of etherial
temper, two sets of weapons at the great sacrifice of the royal
Janaka — namely, impenetrable mail, tw© quivers, two inex-
haustible arrows, and two swords burnished with gold and
bright as the Sun. These things were offered unto nie as
bridal presents, and I have kept them at the house of my
preceptor. Do thou, O Lakshmana^ paying homage unto my
preceptor, taking all those weapons, swiftly bring them hither.
Determined upon going unto the forest, Lakshmana, taking
leave of his friends, went to the abode of the spiritual
preceptor of the Ikshwakus and took from him those excellent
weapons. And that best of princes^ the son of Sumitra,
showed RcLma those heavenly arms- worshipped and well
adorned with garlands. Seeing Lakshmana arrive there,
Rama, having control over his ownself, greatly pleased, spoke
unto him the following words. '*Thou hast arrived, O
Lakshmana^ just when I wanted thee. I want to distribute
with thee these my riches amongst the Brihmauas and the
ascetics. There are many excellent Brahmanas having firm
reverence in their preceptor. I want to distribute my wealth
amongst them and many other personages who depend upon
me for their maintenance. Bring here speedily the worship*
ful Sujajna, the son of Vasishtha ; I want to repair unto the
forest after duly adoring him and other excellent BrShmanas.''

282 KAMAVANA.

SECTION XXX M.

XVKCEIVING this pleasant and beneficial mandate of
brother, Lakshmana speedily went unto the abode of Suja
and finding that Vipra in the chamber where the sacrif
fire was maintained, worshipped him and addressed I
saying ; *'Friend, come and behold the abode of that on
arduous deeds (RSima) renouncing his incoming installatl
Finishing his prayers, Sujajna accompanied Lakshir
and arrived at the splendid mansion of R&ma, filled y
riches. No sooner RSma found that Brikhmana vci
in the Veda (Sujajna) arrive there, shining in eflulg<
like unto the blazing fire, than he rose up from his
along with Sita, with clasped hands, and received bir
if he had been the sacrificial fire itself, and offered
excellent golden Angadas^ shining ear-rings, necklacei
jewels fastened together with golden strings, Keyu
bracelets, and various other ornaments, and spoke x
him, being desired by SitS, the following words. ''O
gentle friend ( do thou by some servant send unto thy \
this necklace and Hemasutra, And SitSl, the friend of
wife, also intends to give this Rasand unto thy wife, i
on the eve of her going to the woods, she presents thy
and thy wife with Angadas of curious workmanship
elegant Keytiras, And Vaidehi wishes to present thee i
this fine bed-stead with its coverlet studed with vari
precious jewels. And I offer thee, O great ascetic, wit!
thousand gold coins, this excellent elephant, called
destroyer of foes, which had been bestowed upon me by
maternal uncle."

Beini:j addressed thus by RSma, Sujajna accepted
those offers, and showered benedictions upon Rlma, S
and I.akshmana. Thereupon Rama spoke unto his belo
conbi'lerate and fair-speaking brother, the bon of Sumi

A YODHYAkANDAM, 283

ihe following pleasant words, like unto BrahmSl addressing
the Lord of celestials. *'0 son of Sumitra, do thou invite
the excellent BrSihmanas, Agastya and ViswSmitra, and adore
them, O Raghava, by conferring upon them gems, as people
cherish corn with water. And O mighty armed one, do
thou worship them, O Raghava, with a thousand cows, gold,
silver, and various precious jewels. Do thou confer upon
that good BrSLhmana, the preceptor of the Tittiriya portion
of the VedaSt who crowns Kau9aly5 with blessings every
day, silk cloth, conveyances, maid-servants, and such
other things, till the twice-born one is satisfied. Do thou
propitiate the worshipful Chitraratha, who is our charioteer
and counsellor and of advanced years, with precious jewels
clothes, wealth, with all kinds of beasts and a thousand
cows. Do thou confer upon those BrShmanas, O son of
SumitrS, who live under my protection, studying the Kata
section of Vayur Veda, with staffs in their hands, a grant of
eighty mules loaded with jewels, of a thousand miles of pines,
and of a thousand cows, for curd and clarified butter. They
are always inactive,being constantly engaged in Vedic studies,
and are greatly: slothful though having a taste for delicious
food, and are always esteemed by great men ; to each of
all those BrSlhmanas, who always come to Kau9alya, do thou,
O Lakshm2lna,make a grant of a thousand gold coins, and offer
unto them all such gifts as may please my mother." There-
upon Lakshmana, that best of men, distributed amongst all
these Brihmanas all the entire riches as ordered by Rama like
unto the Lord of wealth. Seeing his dependants in a wretched
plight, shedding tears continually, R^ma proferred unto then»
various articles for their maintenance, and said : — "Do ye
occupy in tiirn until our return my rooms as well as Laksh-
mana's.'* Having spoken thus unto all those dependants who
were racked with great sorrow, R5ma ordered the Treasury
officer to bring his riches there. Thereat, the servants brought
all. his riches and collected them in great heaps. Rima, the

»84 RlMlFANA.

best of men, together with Lakshmana, distributed theflf
amongst the Brahmanas, boys, the old, and the poor. There
lived in that quarter a BrShmana of a tawny colour, by name
Trijata, descended from the line of Garga, earning his live-
lihood by digging the earth with spades and ploughs. His
young wife with her little children, struggling with poverty,
spoke thus unto the old Brahmana. "Throwing aside thy
spades and ploughs, do thou hear my words. Go and see the
virtuous-souled RSlma, and thou art sure to get something
from him now." Hearing these words of his wife, Trijatft,
shining in effulgence like unto Vrigu and Angira, covering
his body with a torn piece of cloth,proceeded towards Rlma'»
abode with his w*ife^ and going on in a speedy and uninter-
rupted course, reached at last the royal abode and spoke
unto RSlma thus : — '*0 mighty son of the king! a poor man
am I, having a number of children. I maintain my family by
digging the earth ; do thou therefore look upon me mercifully."'
Whereupon RSima replied laughing : — **I have not distributed
as yet even one thousand of my cows. Do thou hurl
this rod, and thou art the master of all those cows occupying
the space at the extremity of which this rod shall fall/*'
Upon this, swiftly tightening the cloth around his
waist, Trijata firmly grasping the rod hurled it with a
mighty force. The rod, hurled off his hands, fell on
the other side of the river Saraju in the midst of
many thousand bullocks. Seeing this, the virtuous-souled
Rama despatched to the hermitage of TrijatS all the cows
that lay extending up to the banks of the river Saraju, and
consoling him afterwards accosted him with the following
words. "Be not offended, I acted thus only as a matter of
joke. I asked thee to do this only with the object of knowing
whether thou hadst the power to hurl this rod. Do thou ask
of me now any thing thou likest. Truly do I speak that thou
shouldst not hesitate. I am ready to devote my wealth to
the services of the Brahmanas. And the wealth I have

AYODHFAkANDAM. 285

earned will conduce to my favour, if. I can apply it to your

service/'

Then Trijata, being pleased with the accession of cows,
went away along with his wife, showering happiness and
joy. RSma of great manliness afterwards distributed with
proper respect and due welcome all his wealth amassed by
righteous means amongst the Brahmanas, friends, servants
and the poor, according to the recomendation of his friends.

SECTION xxxin.

AVING distributed much wealth to the Brahmanas, the
RSghavas set out with SitSL for the purpose of seeing their
father. And the two looked beautiful with a couple of hand-
maids (following them), taking the weapons that had been
decked by Siti with flowery wreaths. Then crowds of ele-
gantly-attired citizens, mounting on the terraces of three-
storied and seven-storied houses, looked on the scene with
hearts filled with sorrow. And unable to tread the streets
because of a vast concourse,they ascending the terraces of the
buildings, eyed RSghava with woe-begone eyes. And de-
prived of their senses by grief, the multitudes,* beholding
R^ma proceeding on foot in company with SitSl and his
younger brother, said, — "He that used to be followed by the
vast body of the four-fold forces, proceeds now along with
Sits, followed by Lakshmana alone. Knowing every kind of
enjoyment, that magnanimous one who has tasted of every
luxury, for maintaining the dignity of morality, does not wish
to falsify (hts father's) word. And that Sita whom formerly
the very rangers of the sky could not see^ is to-day beheld
by the passers-by. Now summer's heat and winter's cold

* Another reading is, — Beholding Rdma without his umbrella and walking
afoot. — T.

286 RImXVANA,

and the rains of the wet season will speedily stain Si4
whose person is worthy of being dyed, and who usedti
daub her limbs with red sandal paste. Surely to-day Da(tr
ratha speaks thus, possessed by some evil spirit ; for the
king ought by no means to banish his beloved son. Who
ever exiles his son, albeit he be worthless ? And what is to
be s liJ concerning a son that has fast secured all men's heartsi
by his behavior ? Universal benevolence, kindness, learning
goodness, the restraint of the senses, and the control of the
faculties, — these six qualities adorn that best of men, RSgha«
va. Therefore the subjects will be afflicted in consequence
of his separation, even as aquatic animals are. when summer
dries up the waters of a tank. The entire earth is distressed
on account of the distress of this lord of the earth, even like
a tree bearing blossoms and fruits, when its roots have beei
severed. Surely this highly effulgent one with virtue for bii
chief good^ is the root of humanity, and the latter representi
its flowers, fruits, foliage, and boughs. Therefore, accom-
panied by our wives and friends will we like Lakshmaaa
follow the departing RSLghava by the same way that he takes.
And leaving aside our gardens and fields and abodes, will
we, making the righteous RSma's happiness and misery our
own, follow him. Let Kaikeyi possess herself of our deserted
mansions, deprived of their buried treasures, with their un«
swept courtyards robbed of kine and wealth, and shorn of all
substance,filled with dust, and abandoned by the deities, man*
sions where rats will run from hole to hole, which will neithei
emit smoke nor contain water, which will not be swept bj^
broomsticks, from which sacrifices, and the slaughter of sacri-
ficial beasts,and the offering of oblations,and the recitation ol
sacred texts, and Yapa, will be absent, and around which will
be strewn broken earthen ware,as they are on occasions of poll
tical commotions or the occurrence of natural calamities. Lei
the forest to which R^ghava repairs resemble a city, and let
this city renounced by us be converted into a wilderness.

A yODHyAKXNDA 31. 287

Inspired by the fear of us, serpents will leave their holes, and
'beasts and birds the caves of mountain^ and elephants
and lions the forest. Let them occupy the tracts left be-
hind by us, and let them renounce such abounding in ser-
pents^ beasts, and birds, as yield grass, meat, and fruits.
Let Kaikeyi (reign in this realm) along with her sons and
adherents j we, renouncing homes, will dwell in the forest
with RSghava/'

Raghava heard various words uttered thus by the popu-
lace ; and having heard them, he did not suffer his mind
to be agitated. And that righteous one of the prowess of
a mad elephant, from a distance began to make for the
residence of his father resembling in brightness a summit
of the Kaila^a mountain. Entering the king's mansion, he
drawing nigh found the heroic Sumantra seated in dejected
mood. Seeing that well-wisher of his thus depressed, RSima
endeavouring by all means to do his father's bidding, cheer-
fully went on, desirous of beholding his sire. And with the
view of meeting the aggrieved king before repairing to the
forest, the magnanimous son of the Ikshwaku race, seeing
Sumantra, stayed there, — so that that noble-minded one might
inform his father of his visit. And making up his mind to go
to the woods in accordance with the command of his father,
R2Lghava seeing Sumantra, said unto him ; ''Do you inform
the king of my arrival."

SECT ION xxxiv.

XHEN the mighty and incomparable Rlma of eyes re^embU
ing lotus-petals said unto the charioteer, — "Do you announce
me to my father." Thus commissoned by RSima, the charioteer
entering the apartment, found the king heaving sighs, his
senses overwhelmed with grief. And he saw the monarch

1 88 RXMAVANA.

like the sun afflicted by Rahu, or like fire enveloped in ashob
or like a tank deprived of its water. Thereupon concluding
that the king agitated by sorrow was bewailing Rftma, the
charioteer said with joined hands. And first paying homage
unto the king, invoking victory upon hinn, the charioteer, per
plexed with fear, softly and sweetly addressed the monarck
thus : — *'0 foremost of men, your son waits at the entrance^
after having distributed wealth to BrAhmanas and his retinnt
Let that one having truth for prowess, good betide you, sc
you. Having greeted all his friends,he now wishes to see yoiL
Know that he is about to set out for the mighty forest. Do
you,0 Lord of earth, see him furnished with every perfectioD,
like the Sun himself surrounded by his rays.'' ThereupoOf
that virtuous and truthful (king) resembling the ocean bj
virtue of his gravity^ and motionless like the welkin^answered
Sumantra, saying, — *'0 Sumantra, do thou bring hither mj
wives.'' Reaching the inner apartment, the charioteer said
unto the ladies,— 'The worshipful king calls you. Do yoa
come speedily.'' Thus addressed by Sumantra at the man-
date of the monarch, the ladies in a body, informed of their
husband's command, went to the king's apartment. And three
hundred and fifty females furnished with coppery eyes and
observing vows, surrounding Kau9alya, proceeded slowly. On
the females coming there, the monarch seeing this, said unto
the charioteer, — "O Sumantra, do you bring hither my son."
Thereat the charioteer taking RSlma, L&kshmanaand Mithila's
daughter, speedily came before the lord of earth. The
king seeing his son drawing nigh with joined hands, hastilj
rose up from his seat in company with his wives. And casting
his eyes on RSlma, the king rushed towards him, but before
reaching his son, the aggrieved monarch fell down to the
earth in a swoon. Rdma and that migthy car-warrior Laksh-
roana swiftly neared the king striken with grief and rendered
senseless by sorrow. And there arose in the palace cries
of women by thousands of ''Ah RSma," mingled with the

A YODHFAKANDAM. 289

a tinkling of ornaments. Then both Rama and Lakshmana

a along with Sit^ took the king up with their arms/ and

I with tears in their eyes laid him upon the couch. When

e the lord of the earth oppressed with the vapour begot of

grief and overwhelmed with emotion, had regained his senses^

J RSlma with joined palms said — "I ask you, O mighty

monarch, as you are the lord of all. Do you see me safely

despatched to the forest of Dandaka. Do you permit Laksh*

mana, and let SitSL also follow mc to the woods ; for although

prohibited by me with various reasons, they do not wish to

be left behind. Do you, O bestower of honor, permit us ail,

renouncing sorrow — Lakshmana and Sita and me, — like

Prajapati permitting his sons." Seeing Raghava about to

set out^ for the forest, the lord of earth said unto the calm

Rama waiting for his orders, — *'0 Righava, I have been

deprived of my senses in consequence of my having conferred

boons on Kaikeyi. Do you therefore confining me to-day

become king in Ayodhyi." Thus addressed by the monarch,

Rama — the best of the righteous — well versed in speech, with

joined hands addressed his father thus, — '*0 king do you

rule this earth for a thousand years, — I will reside in the

forest. I do not wish for the kingdom. Having spent five

and nine years in the woods, I shall again embrace your feet,

0 lord of men, after fulfilling your vow.'* Fettered in the net
of promise, the king bewailing his beloved son, secretly
spurred on by Kaikeyi, said, — "Do you, my darling, with the
view of attaining welfare here and hereafter and auspicious
fortune, go calmly your fearless way, — so that you may return
hither (in time.) I dare not, O descendant of the Raghu
race, forbid you who are established in truth and who are
bent upon discharging your duty. But, O son, do not by any
means depart to-night : beholding you even for a single day,

1 shall feed with you. Do you, seeing me as well as your
mother, stay here to-night. Then ministered unto every
way, 'you will set out to-morrow. O son, O beloved Raghava

2 90 RlAllFANA.

difficult is the task that you are going to perform,— -for
passing my good in the next worlds you are ready to repiir
to the very woods ! But, O RSghava, I swear unto jm
this is anything but agreeable to me, my son. I have beci
made to swerve from my purpose by the crafty Kaikeyi rfr
sembling a fire hidden under ashes. You are going to give
cflFect to the deceit that has been practised upon me by tUi
woman intent upon sullying her line. And as you are nj
eldest son, it is no wonder^ O son, that you should wish to
maintain your father's truth." Hearing these words of his dit-
tressed father, the humble R2lma, along with his brothei
Lakshmana, said, — "Who will confer on me the merit to-
morrow that I shall reap by going to-day ? Therefore, I pre-
fer even the journey to the woods to enjoying comforts here.
Do you bestow upon Bharata this earth renounced by me—
this kingdom abounding in corn and kine and filled witt
people ; my mind determined upon dwelling in the fores^doa
not waver. Do you, O bestower of boons, grant Kaikeji
everything that you had promised unto her at the time ol
the war^ (you had waged against the DSnavas^ and thereb]
do you follow truth. Obeying the mandate that you have
issued, I will dwell in the forest for fourteen years in the
company of the rangers of the woods. Do you withoul
feeling any compunction confer the earth on Bharata. Mine
is not the desire to obtain the kingdom for enjoyin|
happiness or attaining any benefit. I will, O descendant
of the RSghu race, do your biddmg. Banish your grief, and
suppress your tears. That lord of streams, the irresistible
ocean, never forsakes his own magnanimity. I desin
neither dominion, nor happiness^ nor the earth, t nor an]
objectj of enjoyment, nor heaven, nor life. O foremost ol
men, all I wish for is that you may not come by falsehood,anil

* Another reading is, — The biton that you had reell-plvaied conf erred, --^T,
t Another reading, — Sor Mithilas daughter. — T.
\ Another reading is, — Nor any of these worlds. — T,

A VODHYlKkNDA Af. 29 1

abide by truth. I truly and in good sooth swear before you
that I cannot, O lord, remain here for a moment longer,
O my father. Do you bear this grief. I cannot for certain
act contrary to my promise. Directed by Kaikeyi saying,—
'Do you, O RSghava, go to the forest,' I had said, — *I will
go,* — That promise I must accomplish. Do you not, O revered
one, feel aggrieved. We will abide in the forest abounding
in mild deer and resounding with the notes of various
birds. The father is a very God, — even the celestials say
this. Therefore will I look upon your word in the light of
divinity. And, O best of monarchs, after the fourteen
years have been spent, you will see me again by your side,—
therefore do you banish this grief. Why do you, O foremost
of men, who will suppress other's grief, undergo this altera-
tion ? Do you confer upon Bharata this city and this
kingdom and the earth renounced by me. Doing your
behest, I will repair to the forest, sojourning there for a long
time. Staying at the auspicious frontiers, let Bharata barely
rule this earth furnished with watery expanses, cities and
forests, when it has been renounced by me. O king, let
what you have said be as you wish it. I do not, O king, set
my heart upon any great object of desire, nor do I seek my
own behoof, as I am bent upon, O you beloved of the good,
working out your will. O sinless one, you will not therefore
reap any evil on my account. Associating you with
untruth, I would not, O sinless one, wish even for your
company who are agitated with anxiety,^ or this entire
kingdom, or every object of desire, or the earth, or
MithilS's daughter. Even this is my truthful vow, — let also
your vow prove true. Living upon fruits and roots in the
forest, and surveying mountains and tanks and streams
and graceful trees, I shall be happy on entering the
forest, Do you cease to lament.'^ Thus benetted with
calamities and exercised with grief and anguish, the king

• Some texts — Living. — T.

2()2 RlAJlyANA.

embraced his son, — and then deprived of his consciousnei
fell down on the ground and became motionless. Thereat \
the queens save that wife of the monarch (Kaikeyi) bewail
together ; and crying Sumantra also went into a swoc
And the place was filled all around with exclamations
''O'* and "Alas."

SECTION XXXV.

Xhen shaking his head and sighing again and agai
pressing palm upon palm and grinding teeth upon teeth, wi
eyes reddened in wrath and an altered complexion, and Su
denly waxing angry and moved with grief, Sumantra witnei
ing the mental condition of Da^aratha said, shaking Kaikeyi
heart with the sharpened shafts of his speech and piercing b
mind all over with his harsh words resembling thunderboll
"O worshipful one, since you have forsaken king Da^arath
the maintainer of this world and the mobile and the immobi
that it contains, there is nothing that is incapable of beii
d<^nc by you. I consider you the murderess of your husbai
and as one that has finally exterminated one's line ; inasmtM
as you have by your act afflicted the monarch invincible HI
Indra, firm as a hill, and imperturbable like the dc<
itself. You ought not to bring down your boon-bestowii
lord and husband Da^aratha ; for surely the wish of
husband to a wife outweighs a koti of sons. The princes w
obtain the kingdom one after anothc- according to age ;-
this custom it is your study to render nugatory even wh(
the lord of the IkshSwaku race is still alive. Let your son I
king ; let Bharata rule the earth : wc, however, will go whei
goes Rama. No BrShmana will dwell in your dominie

such is the ungracious deed you are going to do. [Sure!

we will go the way that is wended by Rama, and wh)

The Nurth West Provinces text omits the lines inclosed within brackets.

A y ODH YXkINDA M. 2 93

2 happiness, O revered one, will you,forsaken by friends, BrlLh-

z manas and the saintly, reap by remaining here, allured by the

I lust of dominion ? And you are going to do such an act Jj

B A wonder it is that I perceive, viz, — that the earth hid by a

s character like you is not riven this very day. And why doth

not the flaming and dreadful censure uttered by the mighty

Brahmarshis destroy you who are bent upon banishing Rama ?

Who having hewn a mangoe tree by his axe,tendeth a Nimba ?

It never turns sweet for him that waters it. Your birth is noble

indeed ; it is as much so as is your mother's. They say that

sweet is never extracted from Nimba. I remember what I

have heard from old men concerning the vicious inclinations

of your mother.

Some one intent upon conferring boons conferred an ex-
cellent one on your father. In virtue of this, that lord of earth
could understand the import of sounds emitted by all beings,
and it is in consequence of this that he could understand the
speech even of birds and beasts. One day as your father
%vas lying down, he, understanding the thoughts of a gold-
hued Jrimbha bird, from its cries, laughed heartily. Thereat
your mother getting angry, wishing for the noose of death,
said, — "O kfng, O placid one, I ask you for the reason of
your laughter.* The king replied, — 'O worshipful lady, if
I unfold unto you the reason of my laugh, then I shall with-
out doubt die to-day.' But that revered one, your mother,
again urged Kekaya, saying, — Tell it to me, whether you
live or die ; for (when I have learnt all about it), you will not
be able to laugh at me again.' Thus addressed by his beloved
spouse, that lord of earth Kekaya went to the saint that
had conferred the boon on him and related unto him every-
thing faithfully* \ Thereupon that boon-giving saint said unto
the kin ; ^'Whether this one kills herself or be destroyed, do
you not, O king reveal it." Hearing these words of his, the
king well pleased summarily forsook your mother and began
to divert himself like Kuvera. Even in the same way, you,

294 RAmAFANA.

O you that see only evil, staying in an unrighteous counc
befouling the king's sense, endeavour to make him comni
this wrong. In this connection I remember a sayings, viz.,-
men take after their fathers, and women their mothers. D
not be so, — do you even accept what the lord of earth saja
Doing the will of your lord,do you become the refuge of u
all. Do not incited by evil propensities, make your husband
the lord of men endued with the prowess of the celestu
chief, perpetrate an unrighteous deed. That sinless OD
will not for certain give practical effect to the promise jestinj
ly made by you. O worshipful one, king Da^aratha i
graceful, being furnished with eyes resembling lotuses. Lc
him install his eldest son, Rilma generous and able, main
taining his own religion — the protector of all men— -am
endued with might. O revered lady, great is the obloquy thi
will spread concerning you, if leaving his royal father, Rftm
repaireth to the forest. Let therefore RSighava govern hi
kingdom ; and do you remove your agitation. Surely sair
RSghava none residing in the kingdom will prove friendly t
you. On RSLma being installed as the heir-appareDt,that bei
of bowmen — king Da9arSLtha — will depart for the forest, re
membering ancient examples/' Thus in presence of the kinj
Sumantra with clasped palms, with soft yet cutting word
endeavoured to strike Kaikeyi with regret. But that nobl
dame did not feel any compunction,nor was she touched witl
regret. And the complexion of her countenance remaine
as it was before.

SECTION XXXVI.

X HEN that descendant of IkshwSku afflicted because c
his promise, sighing and his heart filled with the vapour be
got of sorrow, again addressed Sumantra, saying,— '"O chari

A YODHFlKlNDAM, 295

oteer, do you speedily marshall the army consisting of the
four kinds of forces for following RSghava. And let sweet-
speeched courtezans and opulent traders grace the extensive
army of the prince. And, giving them immense wealth, do
you also send with him those that depend on RSma, as well
as those with whom he delights to wrestle. And let the
foremost weapons^ and the citizens, and cars, and fowlers
well acquainted with the forest go in the wake of Kakutstha.
Killing deer and elephants, and drinking wild honey, and
beholding various rivers, they will ultimately forget this king-
dom. And let our granary and treasury follow Rima who
is to reside in the forest. Performing sacrifices at holy spots,
and dispensing the prescribed Dakshinas^ let R§ma happily
reside in the forest in the company of saints. The mighty-
armed Bharata will govern AyodhyS. Therefore, do you
furnish the auspicious RSLma with every object of enjoyment."
When that descendant of Kakutstha said this, Kaikeyi was
inspired with apprehension : her countenance became blank,
and her utterance was choked. Losing her complexion
and agitated with fear, with her countenance fallen, Kaikeyi
faced the king and said^ — ^'O righteous one, like unto a
liquor whose lees alone have been left, Bharata will not receive
the kingdom tasteless and denuded of all substance." While
the shameless Kaikeyi was speaking thus sternly, king
Dacar^tha said unto that one of expansive eyes,— -''O worker
of mischief, why having laid the load upon me, do you tor-
ment me ? O ignoble one, why did you not ask for this,
when you did first solicit the boon ?" Hearing these wrath-
ful words of the king, that beauteous one, Kaikeyi, waxing
doubly wroth, addressed the monarch, saying, — **Even in
this line of yours,Sagara deprived his eldest son Asamanja by
name of the enjoyment of the kingdom. In this way this one
deserves to go to the forest." Thus addressed, king Da^a-
ratha said, — "O fie !" and all present were afflicted with
shame ; but Kaikeyi feigned not to understand all this. Then

t96 RAmAtANA.

a notablei aged^ pure-spirited personage held in high esteei
by Ihe monarch, named SiddhSLrtha, addressed Kaikeyi, sv
ing, — "Asamanja by way of sport catching people on tb
wayi used to throw them into the waters of the Sarayu, ao
that wicked-minded wretch made merry over the same. Seeii^
him do so, the citizens in a body, waxing wroth spok
unto the monarch, — 'O enhancer of the kingdom's prosperit]
do you either banish Asamanja or us.' To them fa
replied, — 'Whence is this fear of yours?* Thus asked b
the monarch, the subjects said, — 'Through his iropudenc
this one of perverted sense by way of diversion throwing ov
sons into the Sarayu, finds extreme delight.'- Hearing thes
words of his subjects, that lord of men, with the intention c
doing good to them, forsook that mischievous son of hii
Then swiftly causing a car to be yoked, he said unto hi
men, — 'This one is to be banished for life in proper gar
along with his wife.' Thereupon that worker of iniquit
went to the forest and went about seeing mountai
fastnesses. Thus did the virtuous king Sagara renounc
his son. But what offence has RSLma committed that h
is to be banished ? We do not find any fault whatever ii
RSLghava. Rare is his fault even like the spot on the Moot
Or it may be, O exalted lady, that you perceive some faol
in Raghava, — Do you, if so, unfold it; and then let Rftm
be banished. But the renunciation of the honest ever coi
stant in a righteous course, in consequence of its beia
opposed to virtue, destroys the splendour of Sakra himsel
Therefore, O noble one, cease to persevere in this, for whs
good would the marring of Rama's good fortune bring yon
And, O you of a fair countenace, you will by such a courM
escape odium." Hearing Siddhartha's words, the king, hi
voice waxing exceedingly feeble, addressed Kaikeyi in word
surcharged with emotion, — "0 Personation of sin, tho
relishcst not this speech. Thou knowest not either thy ow
good or mine. This wicked endeavour of thine, O thou tha

A YODHrXKXNDAM. 897

fs^nvest after harm, which thou puttest forth adopting a
i narrow path, is surely divorced from the course of the good,
c Forsaking my kingdom, forsaking happiness and treasures,
. I will to-day follow Rima. Do thou with Bharata for the
* icing, forever enjoy dominion according to thy heart's desire,"

SECTION XKXVII.

JljL EARING the words of that worthy, Rtma conversant
with modesty, humbly addressed Da^aratha, saying, — '*What
O king, have I, that am renouncing everything and am going
to dweli in the forest subsisting on what the forest yields,
to do with a following? Of what avaii is a person's
attachment for the tether of a goodly elephant^ when the
elephant itself is renounced by him ? Thus it is with
me, O foremost of righteous ones. What shall I do with
the army, O lord of men? I will confer everything on
Bharata. Let them bring me a vesture of bark, and for
me who will go to the forest and reside there for
fourteen years, bring a hoe and a basket." Thereupon
Kaikeyi herself brought a bark dress and that shameless
one said unto Rftghnva in the presence of all, — '^Do you wear
this." On this, that foremost of men taking those two
pieces of bark from Kaikeyi, left his fine attire and put on
the ascetic garb. And Lakshraana also, renouncing his
choice raiment^ put on the dress of an anchoret before his
father. Then SitSL clad in silk apparel, eying the ascetic
covering meant for her, became agitated, like a doe at sight
of a noose. And afflicted with shame^ that one graced
with auspicious marks, J^naki, sorrowfully took from
Kaikeyi the Ku9a and bark ; and with tears flooding her
eyes, that one cognizant of virtue and having her gaze

3«

2^8 RlMAyANA.

ever fixed upon it, thus addressed her lord resembling lb
kino[ of the Gandliarbas, — "Huw do the ascetics dwelling i
the woods put on their dress ?" Saying this, SilS, ill at eaie
became embrassed. And putting on one piece on hci
neck and holding the other in Iter hand, the daughter d
Janaka, feelinnr uneasy, stood overpowered with shame.
Thereupon tliat best of righteous persons, R3ma, peedil)
coming up to her, fastened the monastic garb over Silft's silk
attire. BehoUlingf Rama fastening that goodly garb on SiH
the females of the inner apartment began to shed tears. And
waxinor exceedingly aggrieved, they spoke unto RSima flaaiio|
in f fT'ili{ence : — "Child, do not take this virtuous oi>e to tliC
forest. So iong as you will reside in the forest in accordance
with the wishes of your father, we shall behold her ; and b)
this means let our lives attain their object, O lord. O son tak
ing Lakshmana for your help, go you to the forest. TW
aii.-picinus r»ne do<\s not deserve to live in the woods like ai
ascetic. O son, grant our prayer. Let the fair Sit3L remain. Eve
slt-aily in virtue, you do not yourself intend to stay here.'
Hearing these words, Da^aratha's son tied the dress on Sill
having a similar character with himself. When she had put Ol
the upper and under garments, the preceptor of the king
\'asi.stha, his voice choked with the vapour of sorrow, dissuad
ing Sita, said unto Kaikeyi, — "O thou whose desires outrui
thv sense of honor, O thou of perverted under:»tanding
O befouhr of thy line, deceiving the monarch, thou stayes
not within the pale of the promise. O thou bereft of goo<
behavior, that noble lady, Sita, should not go to the furesi
Sii5 will occupy Kama's seat. Of all those that marry, tb
wife is the olher) soul. SitSi will govern the earth, as she i
Kama's self. But if Vaidehi goes to the forest with R«Lma| wi
will follow him, and the inhabitants of the city will also repai
thither. And the warders of the inner apartment, and thi
people of the kingdom and the city taking with them thei
Dticessaries and servants will accompany RSighava and hi

A VODHYlKlNDAM, ^99

'•wife. And Bliarata and Satrughna wearing ascetic clothes and

- Tanging; the forest will live like their elder brother resident in
^ the woods. Then alone thou of vile ways and intent upon
^ liarmino; the people wilt govern this empty earth deserted

by the inhabitants, along with the trees. That can never be

- a kingdom where Rama is not the monarch, and that forest

- where R^n^a will- reside will flourish into a monarchy. Bhar-
ata never wishes to govern a kingdom that lias not been
conferred up<5n him by his father; nor, if he has really been
begotten by the monarch, wilt he any further act by you as a
son. Even if you leaving the earth fly unto the air, that one
cognizant of th^ character of his ancestry, will never act
otherwise. Therefore although intent on advancing your
son, you have really brought about his injury. There exists
not a person in the world that is not partial to R'5ma. O
Kaikeyi, do you to-day behold beasts and snalces and
birds journeying in the wake of Rama, and even the
trees stand with their heads turned towards him. Da
you, O noble tady, removing tire ascetic guise, confer
elegant ornaments on your daughter-in-law, for such a
dress suits not this one.*' Saying this Vasistha prevented'
Kaikeyi. **0 slaughter of kitig Kekaya, you liave asked for
the abode of Rama in the woods ; and decked out in
ornaments let Sil5 daily engaged in adorning herself, reside
in the forest with RfLghava. And Tet the daughter of the
King go to the forest, surrounded by excellent cars and*
servants, and taking with her attires and other necessary
things. When you demanded the (tultilment of the) promise,
you had not your eye on Sita." When that foremost of*
BiShmanas, that preceptor of the king possessed of unpar.il-
cUed potency, had said this, SitS, desirous of serving her
beloved lord, did not turn away from the ascetic dress
(presented by Kaikeyi.)

3o# RlMlrAffA.

SECTION XXXVUI

W HEN SitSl, having fi hasband although seeming ai
she had none, was putting on the ascetic guise^ the pec
got into a wrath and excraimed, '*0 Da^aralha, fie on y
Aggrieved at the uproar that arose there in consequei
the lord of earth banished from his heart all regard for I
virtue, and fame. And srghing hot, that descendant
Ikshwaku spoke onto that wife of hrs, saymg,-«<><*0 Kaiki
Sit& deserves not to go in a Ku9a dress. Tender, and yon
ful, and worthy of happiness, she fs by no means capi
of living in the forest. My spiritaa^ guide has spoken
truih. Whom has this one injured that, being the daugh
of the foremost pf kings, she like a female ascetic, wear
a me^^re j;aii> in the presence of all, will (repair to the woi
and) remain there like a beggar destitute of everythingr ? |
janaka's daughter Feare off her ascetic guise. Thii
not the promise that I had made to you before. Let I
princess go to the forest in comfort, fornished with all m
of gems. My sands run out ; by me hath this cruel promise be
made with an oath. But this (exile of Sitft) has been thoai
of by you through your ignorance! I^t it not, howev
consume you like a bamboo flower destroying the bamb
If, O wicked woman, R§ma has happened to do thee soi
thing unbeautrful, what wrong, O base wretch, has Vaid
done thee in the world ? Of eyes expanded like those c
doe, endued with a mild temperament, and virtuous, wl
harm has Janaka's daughter done thee. Surely, O iiefari<
one, the banishment of Rama is enough for thee. Why th
dost thou bend thy mind to perpetrate these atrocious sin
O noble dame, having heard you asking for the banishoM
of Rdma, who had at first been intended by n»e for bei
installed, and who came here afterwards, I had promised y
(his exile alone.) But since, going beyond tliat promise

A YODHiXkINVAM, 301

mine, you behold MithSila's daughter dressed in mendicant
garb, surely you wish to find your way to hell." Thus com-
missioned to the forest, R9ma who was seated sealing his
lips, said, — 'O righteous one, this my mother is aged and
famous and of a lofty spirit. May she not meet with improper
treatment at your hands I It behoves you, O bestower of
boons, to show greater honor to her when she shall be depriv-
ed of me and be plunged into a sea of grief and afflicted
with unprecedented woe. O you comparable unto the mighty
Indra, you should so behave with my mother smitten witli my
separation, that exercised by grief in consequence of my resi-
dence in the forest, she may not, renouncing life, repair to
the mansions of Yama."

SECTION XXXIX.

EARING RSma's words, and seeing him dressed like an
ascetic, the king in the midst of his wives was deprived of
his senses. And burning in grief, the king could not eye
R&ghava, nor seeing him could that one of afflicted mind
answer anything. Then remaining uuconscious for a while,
the mighty-armed lord of earth oppressed by grief began
to bewail, thinking of R2kma. "I conclude that formerly I
deprived many a cow of her calf, and took the life of many a
creature, and it is for iliis that the present calamity Ivas be-
fallen mc. (I infer) that life never departs from the body
unless the time comes, for although sore tried by Kaikeyi,
my life does not go out of me, and for I can see before me
this one resembling fire, clad in the dress of an ascetic,
having left his fine vesture. These people are in trouble in
consequence of Kaikcyi alone striving by help of this
craftiness to secure her interest." Having said these words,
Dagaratha^ his seates ovtirpowtfed by the vapour of sorrow.

302 RXlilXrANA.

exclaimed "Rama !" and could not proceed further. The!
soon regaining consciousness, the lord of eartli with tearfdl
eyes, addressed Sumuntra, saying, — ''Yoking a nding car
with excellent horses, do you come hither ; and take flif
exalted one to the south of the kingdom. The virtuous and
heroic Rama is being banished by liis father and mother.
Even this methinks will be asserted as the fruit of the
virtues possessed by the pious." Receiving the mandate of
the sovereign, Suinantra endued with fleet viffour, yoking
a car adorned with horses, came there. Then the charioteer
with joined hands announced to the prince that the car
adorned with gold was ready, yoked with excellent horses.
The king, versed in time and place, and pure, speedily sum*
moning his treasurer, said unto him these words firmly,—
"Do you without delay bring unto Vaidehi excellent and
costly attires and noble ornaments, counting these (ten and
four) years." Thus desired by the foremost of men, that
officer repairing to the treasury, procuring all those, speed*
ily presented them to SitS. Thereupon that pure-sprung
one, Vaidehi, ordered to the forest, adorned her goodly
limbs with those rare ornaments. And thus decked out,
Vaidehi graced that chamber like the effulgence of the
Sun irradiating the welkin with his rays. Then embrac-
ing with her arms Mithila's daughter of noble behaviour,
and smelling the crown of her head, SitS's mother-in-
law said, — "Those women that although having always
been carefully tended by their husbands, do not regard
them during the incident of adversity, are in this world
reckoned as unchaste. — Even this is the nature of women :
having formerly tasted happiness (at the hands of their
husbands), they, on the accession of an inconsiderable
misfortune, take them to task, — nay, forsake them utterly.
'Ihose women that are untruthful, unmindful, of evil ways,
heartless, intent on unrighteous acts, and whose love is
evanescent, are unchaste. Ntiiher lineage, nor benefit, nor

A yODHyXKANDAM. 303

learning, nor gift, nor forbearance of faults, can secure tlie
.. hearts of females, — surely their hearts are unstable. But
_ chaste women of good character, abiding in truth, acting in
accordance with the precepts of superiors, and maintaining
the dignity of their race, single out their lords as the prime
means of compassing their spiritual welfare. Therefore
although my son is going to be banished to the woods, you
should by no means disregard him. Whether he be wealthy or
. poor, he is unto you like a god." Hearing her mother-in-
law's words fraught with virtue and interest, SitS facing that
lady, said with joined palms, — *'I will do all that the noble
one says. I know how I should act by my husband. I have
heard all about that (from my parents.; The worshipful one
ought not to place me on the same footing with unrighteous
persons. As brightness doth not depart from the moon, so
I cannot swerve from virtue. The VinS without strings
does not sound ; and the car without wheels does not move, —
so although having an hundred sons, a woman without her
husband cannot attain happiness. The Father gives in mea-
sure, the father and the son give in measure, — but who does
not worship that bestower of *riclies fineless' — the husband ?
O exalted one, having learnt from my superiors the principal
as well the minor duties, shall I disregard (my lord)? A hus-
band is a deity unto the wife." Hearing Sila's words which
went directly to the heart, Kau9alya endued with purity of
spirit,out of fulness of bliss and bale suddenly shed tears.Then
with joined hands that foremost of virtuous ones addressed his
mother, who, duly honored by all, was seated in the midst of
his other mothers, saying, — "O mother, without indulging in
grief, you should minister unto my father ; and the term of
my abode in the woods will shortly expire. You will find
these five and nine years pass away as if in a sleep. Then
again, getting me^you will see me surrounded by my friends
and relatives.'' Having spoken out his mind unto his mother,
R§ma attentively eyed his three hundred and fifty mothers.

304 RXmXVANA.

And with joined hands Da^ar&tha's son spake words fraugll
with virtue unto his mothers afflicted like Kau9alyft heraeH
'Mf I have said anything harsh to you in consequence a
familiarity, or done any wrong through ignorance, do yoi
forgive the same. I salute you all." These calm words o
Raghava informed with peity were heard by the ladies over
whelmed with grief. As Righava was speaking thus, then
arose a loud wail proceeding from those wives of that chid
of men, like unto the cries of Kraunchis. And the aboA
of D49aratha which formerly resounded with tmuraJMS,
panavas, meghas* was now filled with cries of distress aw
lamentations.

SECTION XL.

JLhen exceedingly distressed, Rima, Sit9l and Laksh
mana^ bowing down unto the king, circumambulated hin
Then with the king's permission, the righteous RAgbavs
stupified with sorrow, in company with SitS, paid respect
unto his mother. Following his brother, Lakshmana salutec
Kau^alySi ; then he again took hold of his mother Sumitr&'i
feet. As the son of SumitrSL was thus engaged ii
honoring his mother, his mother smelling the crowi
of his head, thus spoke unto the mighty-armed Laksh
mana, — ''Although attached unto thy friends here, thoi
hast my permission to go to the forest. When Rim]
shall have gone (to the woods), do not, O son, show
any negligence unto him. O sinless one, whether ii
prosperity or in adversity, even this one jsi thy way. Thai
a younger brother should follow his elder is in this world thi
duty of the righteous. These are the legitimate duties era
observed by this race— charity, initiation into*sacrificei *anc

* Musical instniinentf.

A YODHYlKlNDA M. 305

renunciation of the body in the field of battle. Do thou con-
sider RSima as Da^aratha, and Janaka's own-begotten as my-
self ; do thou regard AyodhyS as a wilderness, — go my son,
at thy sweet pleasure." Having thus spoken unto that dear
descendant of Raghu, who had made up his mind (to journey
to the forest), SumitrSL again and again said unto him, —
"Go ! Go !" Then like unto MSLtali addressing Vasava, that
one understanding humility, Sumantra, with joined hands
humbly said unto Kakutstha, — "O illustrious prince, good
betide you : do you ascend the car. O Rama, I will speedily
take you to wherever you will tell me. You will have to
spend fourteen years in the forest, and your stay must com-
mence from this very day. So the noble lady has
ordered." Then having adorned her person, that best of her
sex, Sita^ with a glad heart ascended the car resembling the
sun. Counting the term of their stay in the woods, her
father-in-law furnished SitSL following her lord with attires and
ornaments. And then he placed in front of the car various
weapons, coats of mail, a basket bound in hide and a hoe.
At length the brothers Rama and Lakshmana swiftly ascend-
ed the flaming car garnished with gold. And seeing them
with Sita for the third, mounted, Sumantra drove the car
yoked with goodly horses resembling the wind in celerity.
On Raghava having left for the forest to stay there for a
long period, the men and beasts within the city were deprived
of their senses (by grief). And in the city there arose a
mighty tumult in consequence of the hurrying of people, the
elephants waxing mad and furious, and the neighings of
horses. And the entire city containing young and old, ex-
tremely afflicted, rushed after RSma, like persons oppressed
with the heat of the sun rushing towards water.

At his side and back, the people bending forward with
their faces covered with the vapour of grief, and sighing
hard, said unto the charioteer, — ''O charioteer, rein in the
horses,— do thou proceed softly. We will see the counten-

5o6 RAAIAfaNA.

ance of Rima, which we shall never see again. Surely t

heart of Riima*s mother is made of iron, for it does n

burst on witnessing her son resembling Skanda repatrii

to the forest. Vaidehi, attaining her desire, follows h

husb.ind, like a shadow — attached to virtue, she does n

forsake him even as the Sun forsakes not meru.

Lakshmana, you are blessed, since you will serve j'O

god-like brotlier ever speaking fair. This design of you

is great ; this is your mighty good fortune ; this

the way to heaven that you are following him." Sayii

this, they could not supress their fears ; and the in<

followed the beloved descendant of IkshwSku. Then tl

4;ing, his senses overcome by grief, surrounded by his di

tressed wives, went out of his house, saying — ''I will beho

my dear son." He heard before him a mighty noise proceei

ing from weeping women. like unto the roars of she-elephant

when a ^reat elephant has been taken captive. Thereupc

Rama's father, the graceful Kakutstha, became shorn of li

splendour, like unto the full-moon enveloped at the appoint!

time during the eclipse. Then the auspicious son of Da^ar

tha of soul incapable of being comprehended, orden

the charioteer, saying, — "Do tiiou proceed more speedily

Rama sayinor unto the charioteer, — 'Go," and the people,-

•'Stay," thus desired on the way, the charioteer could n<

act both ways at once. As the mighty-armed Rama proceed

•ed, the dust of the earth raised by the car-wheels were lai

by the tears of the citizens showering down. And in coi

sequence of Raghava's departure, the entire city filled wil

de-^pair, and uttering with their senses lost exclamations \

*'()h" and **Alas," became exceedingly aftlicted. And |I

tears begot of heart's grief that flowed from the eyes of tl

feip Ics, resembled rain-drops scattered around from lotusi

sh:iken by the movements of lish. And beholding the cit

zens abs^orbed in one thought, the auspicious monarch b

down in grief like a tree whose roots have been severe

A YODHylKAiVDAM, 307-

Then seeing the sovereign senseless and stricken with
exceeding sorrow, tlie multitudes at the rear of RUma broke
out into a loud tumult. And seeing the king weeping alourj
with the inmates of the inner apartment, some exclaiming
"Oh Rama," and others, "O RSma's mother/' began to bewail.
Then turning back, Rama saw tliat his sorrow-strickeoi
and bewildered father alonjj with his mother, was followine
his track. As a colt fastened in a snare cannot see its motlvcr,
so R5ma fastened in the bonds of virtue could not look at his
mother openly. And seeing his parents deserving of comfort
and worthy of going in a carriage, going on foot, Rama said
unto the charioteer, — "Go thou swiftly." And that foremost
of men was incapable of bearing the looks of his father and
mother, like unto an elephant afflicted with the hook, (nob
being able to look at what is placed on its back.)'

Rama's mother rushed after him like a cow having a cilF
which has been fettered, rushing towards the fold, for the-
purpose of seeing it. R5ma beheld his mother Kau^alya run-
ning after the car, bewailing aloud,— **Rama, Rama, Ah Siia,
Lakshmana," shedding tears for Rama, Lakshmana and Sita,
and appearing as if she had been dancing incessantly. The
king exclaimed, — "Stay," Raghava said, —"On, On." Suinan-
tra's mind vascillated like that of one placed between
two hosts burning to encounter each other. Rama said unta
liim, — **VVhen taxed .by the monarch (on your return), you^
wmII say, 'I did not hear you.* But delay will impart me
terrible pain." Thereupon, doing Rama's bidding, the chario-
teer, telling the people to desist, made the horses already
coursing, run faster. The retainers of the king stopped
after circumambulating RSlma, but their minds did not
turn back. But the others did not return either bodily
or mentally. Then the courtiers said unto that mighty
monarch, Da9aratha, — "He that is expected back should
not be followed far." Hearing their words, the king
endued with every virtue, with his body covered with per-

3oS XiAllFANA.

spiration and his countenance woe-begone, and exceeding
distressed, stopped short and stood along with his wi
looking at his son.

SECTION XLI.
0:0

HEN that foremost of men had gone out of th6 ci
with joined hands, there arose a chorus of cries proceed!)
from the females residing in the inner apartment. "Whc
goelh he that was the stay and refuge of the friendless, tl
feeble, and the helpless ? He that although falsely accuse
used not to be moved by anger, who pacified every enragt
person by renouncing things calculated to fan anger and wl
felt equally for all, where goeth he ? Where goeth th
highly energetic and magnanimous one who conducted hin
self with us as he did with his mother Kau^aly^ ? Afflicts
by Kaikeyi and commissioned by the monarch unto the wood
where goeth the deliverer of these people— of the enti
world ? Ah ! the senseless monarch is sending to the wooi
the stay of all creatures — the righteous and truthful RSlma
Thus all the queens, oppressed with grief, burst out in
lamentations like kine bereft of calves, and loud was tl
sound of their wailing. Hearing the loud tumult of lament
tion in the inner apartment, the lord of earth burning in gri
for his son was striken with sorrow. And oblations unto tl
fire had not been offered ; and the Sun set ; and elephan
forsook their forage ; and the kine did not suckle the
calves. Trisanku, LohitSnga, Vrihashpati, Budha and tl
other Grahas getting at the Moon, remained with fier
aspects. The stars are shorn of their brightness ; the Grab
deprived of sheen ; and Vi^^khSL appeareth envelopt
in haze. And clouds driven by the wind resembled tl
sea mounting the welkin ; and the city shook on Rli

A Y ODH YJlKIND AM. 309

having departed for the forest. And the cardinal points are

distressed, and appear enveloped in darkness. And no

planet or star is to be seen. And all of a sudden the citizens

have been striken with poverty : and no one turns his

thoughts to eating or drinking. And ceaselessly burning in

grief and heaving sighs, the people in Ayodhya rage at the

monarch. And with their faces washed in tears, the

wayfarers betoken no delight, but all are being exercised

with grief. And the cool air does not blow, and no moon of

mild appearance is seen, and no sun heats the world, all

the entire Earth is overwhelmed with woe. And sons depend

not upon their parents, hurbands on their wives, and brothers

on brothers ; and all forsaking each other, think of RSma

only. And deprived of sense, and oppressed by the load of

sorrow, the friends of Rama forsook their rest. Like the

Earth with her mountains bereft of Purandara, Ayodhya,

bereft of R&ma, shook, agitated by fear and grief ; and the

citizens with elephants and warriors uttered exclamations of

distress.

SECTION xLii.

J^O long as he could see the dust raised by the car of
Rama setting out for the forest, so long that best of the
Ikshwaku race did not turn his eyes from that direction*
And so long as the king could discover his exceedingly
virtuous and favorite son, so long he raised himself (on his
toes) on the earth with the view of beholding him. And when
the ruler of earth could no longer perceive even the dust
raised by RSLma's car, then pierced with sorrow, and in
heaviness of heart, he fell down to the ground. Then
(raising him up), Kau9alya held his right arm and walked
with him, while the slender-waisted Kaikeyi walked by his

3IO RAmXFANA.

left. Endowed with a sense of justice and with virtue
and humility, the king 'with afflicted senses steadily eyeing
Kaikeyi, thus spake unto her, — "O Kaikeyi, that bast
decided for following sin, do thou not touch my person, — nor
do I wish to see thee. Thou art no wife of mine — not even
a maid-servant of a friend sharing his good graces. I am
none to those that subsist on thy favour, nor are they any-
thing to me. I renounce thee who solely seekest thy interest
and hast abandoned virtue. I renounce all the advantages
pertaining either to this world or the next which I am entitled
to by virtue of having obtained thy hand and having made
thee circumambulate the sacrifical fire. If Bharata is satisfied
with receivinc^ this entire kingdom, let not what he spends
on account of my funeral obsequies find its way to me.*
Then raising the lord of men covered with dust, the noble
Kau^alySl pierced with grief, stopped (along with the
monarch). The righteous one remembering RSghava repented
himself, as if he had slain a Breihmana through inordinate
desire, or as if he had placed his hand in fire. And having
stopped again and again, the visage of the monarch lamenting
on beholding the tra::k of the car, appeared dim like
the Moon invaded by Rahu. And stricken with ^rief»
he lamented, remembering his beloved son ; and think-
ing that by this time he had reached the precincts
of the city, he broke out into the following, — "On the
way are traced the foot-prints of those foremost of
bearers that are carrying my son away ; but that magna-
nimous one I do not find. And that meritorious so*
of mine, who, doubed with sandal, used to rest his head
pleasantly upon a pillow, fanned by beauteous damscb
decked in ornaments, will to-day surely take refuge
underneath a tree, and lay his head on a wooden plank
or a stone. Covered with dust, he heaving sighs will rise
from the ground in sad guise, like a leader of she-elephants
rising from the side of a mountain. The rangers of the

ayodhyAkXndam. Zii

ods will now see the long-armed Rama resembling the
d himself of the worlds, rising from the ground and going
e one forlorn. And that one so dearly loved by Janaka,
irthy of being constantly ministered unto with comforts,
to-day going to the forest, fatigued in consequence of
ving been pierced with thorns. Unacquainted with the
est, she is certainly afflicted with fright on hearing the
ep roars of ferocious beasts, capable of making one's hair
ind erect. O Kaikeyi, do thou realize thy desire, — do thou
coming a widow, rule this kingdom. Without that best of
;n I cannot live." Thus lamenting, the king surrounded

the multitude, like one that had performed his bath after
ath, entered that best of cities filled with people enfeebled
d smitten with grief, with its streets thined of men and its
ills closed. And beholding that entire city, with his mind
ed upon Rama, the king lamenting, like unto the sun enter-
ar clouds, entered that city like unto an unagitated sea rid
serpents by Suparna,* the city without R&ma or Lakshmana

Sita. Then with tears in his eyes, the lord of earth,
nenting, in unintelligible accents said these sad and broken
)rds, — "Do you speedily take me to the room of Rama's
3ther, Kauyalya ; for in no other place shall I find rest
r ray heart." When the king had spoken thus, the ushers
king him to Kau9alya's chamber, made him lie down in
\\\y plight. And having entered Kau9alyel's apartment,
e king having laid himself on the bed, was overwhelmed
th emotion. And the king surveyed the mansion deprived
his two sons as well as his daughter-in-law^ like unto
e welkin deprived of the Moon. Beholding this, the
lissant sovereign raising up his arm, burst out into
mentations, saying,— **Ah r Rama, thou forsakest us both I
h me ! surely those blessed people are happy, who having
Lssed this gap of time, will behold RSLma returned and will
nbrace him." Then when the night had come like unto his

* Litf fair-feathered^ a name of Garura, — r.

312 RXmIFANA.

own fatal night, Da^aratha at mid-night addressed Kau^alyl
saying, — "I do not perceive thee, O Kau^alySl. Do dwi
touch me with thy hand. My sight having followed Rial
doth not return yet." Then seeing that foremost of m
absorbed in the contemplation of R^ma, that noble dame sit
by him, and afHicted with greater grief, began to indulge i
sorrow^* sighing heavily.

SECTION XLII t.

Xhen seeing the king lying down stupified with gri^
Kau9iiya agorrieved for her son, spake ^unto the lord of
earth, saying, — *'0 best of men, having vented her venM
upon Raghava, the crooked Kaikeyi will go]^about like a sIm-
serpent that has cast off her slough. And that fortunate
one having by her endeavours attained her end, will frightd
me the more like a wicked serpent in one's house. If RSmi
liad stayed in this city subsisting himself by alms, or had
I made my son as Kaikeyi's slave, even that would ha?€
been preferable (before his retirement to the woods). Like
unto the sacrificial share cast unto the Rakshasas by the
sacrificers on the occasions of Parvas, that weilder of the
bow, the mighty-armed RSima, gifted with the gait of the
prince of elephants, cast off by Kaikeyi, takes refuge in the
forest in company with his wife and Lakshmana. Despatched
by you to the woods at the command of Kaikeyi, to what a
plight will they, not inured to the privations of a forest-lifCi
be reduced ! And bereft of elegant apparel, how will they
of tender years, exiled in this time of enjoyment, pass their
lives in misery, subsisting on fruits and roots ! Will 8uch

a time present itself now that my grief removed and my

■ ■ — — — ■ ■ I

* Another text reads viniswasanUinf joining it to namM^raffr^-foreoKMl rf
men. — T.

ATODHYlKlNDAM. 313

desire attained^ I shall here behold Rlghava along with his
wife and brother? When, hearing that those heroes have
come^ will Ayodhya adorned with standards and garlands,
attain fame, with her populace filled with joy ? When,
seeing those foremost of men returned from the forest, will
the city overflow with delight^ like the ocean on the occasion
ofaParva? When will the mighty-armed hero enter the
city of AyodhyS, placing Sit§ before him on the car, — like
unto a bull having his bovine mate before him ? When will
people by thousands shower fried paddy upon my sons on
the road, as those repressors of foes will enter the city ?
When shall 1 behold those (two) wearing burnished ear-rings,
entering AyodhyS, placing before them their weapons and
swords, like unto two hills furnished with their summits ?
When accepting flowers from girls and fruits from Brahmanas,
will they, filled with delight, go round the palace ? When
with his intelligence ripened by time, although resembling a
celestial in age, will that righteous-souled one come here,
rejoicing people like a Trivarsha ?* Doubtless, O hero,
formerly of vile ways that I was, I had cut off the paps of
kine and thus prevented their calves hungering after their
mothers' milk, from drinking it. And it is for this sin that,
O foremost of men, have I, attached to my son, been forcibly
deprived of him by Kaikeyi, like a cow deprived of her calf
by a lion. Having an only son, I dare not live without him
endowed with every virtue and versed in every branch of
learning. Not seeing my beloved son and the mighty
Lakshmana, I cannot live at all. As in summer the divine
Sun furnished with fierce rays burns this earth, even so this
raging fire of grief on account of my son consumes me.''

• Thr$$ cons9cutiv0 shawerSf favourable to the crops. — T.

4»

314 RlMlFANA.

SECTION XLIV

^«*

.S that best of ladies, Kau9alyS, was thu9 lamentiof
' Sumitra ever abidinnr in virtue, spake unto her these worA
consistent with righteousness, — "O worshipful one, your aoi
is crowned with all qualities, — and is the best of men* Whj
then do you bewail thus, or weep bitterly ? Since, O revered
one, renouncing the kingdom, your mighty son wendeih (U
the woods) with the view of fulfiling the intention of his high-
souled and truthful sire, the worthy R^ma staying in the datj
that is completely observed by the good and the perforaianci
of which always bringeth welfare in the next wofM,
should by no means be lamented. And that sinless onci
Lakshmana, kind unto all creatures, will minister unto Rinu
in the best way possible,— and this is to the advantaged
that high-souled one, And experiencing the hardships tliil
come of living in the forest, Vaidehi deserving of happinesi
follows your righteous son. And what is wanting uato that
maintainer of all, your son of subdued senses, intent upofl
truth and the observance of vows, who is spreading his bsB"
ner of fame over the world ? Acquainted with RSma's mani-
fest purity and high magnanimity, the Sun himself mil nol
dare burn his body with his rays. And issuing from th<
woods at all hours, the delicious air impregnated with heal
and cold will serve R&ghava. And when he will lie down al
night, the Moon touching him with his beams and embracing
him even like his own father, will gladden his heart. Thai
hero of mighty energy on whom BrahmSt had conferred celes*
tia! weapons, seeing that foremost of the DSlnavas, the son o(
Timidhwaja, slain in battle, — that tiger-like one, relying on
the native strength of his arms, will fearlessly abide in the
forest as if in his own home. And why should not the eartl
remain in the ?w.iy of liim coming within the range of whose
arms enemies find destruction ? Considering RSma's

A YODHFlKlNDAM. 315

heroism and auspiciousness, ^there cannot be any doubt that)
returning from the forest, he will speedily regain his own
kingdom. He is the sun of the sun, the lord of the lord, — he
is tlie auspiciousness of prime auspiciousness^ the fame of
fame, the forbearance of forbearance, the god of the gods,—
and the foremost of creatures. What evil qualities, O noble
lady, will be perceived in him, whether he remains in the city
or in the forest ? And that best of men, RSLma, will soon be
installed in the kingdom, in company with these three —
the Earth, Vaidehi, and the goddess of victory. Although
overwhelmed with grief, the people of AyodhyS, seeing that
noble unvanquished one retiring to the woods clad in Kuca
and bark, are shedding tears begot of sorrow ; yet accompani-
ed by that L^akshmi, what is there that is incapable of being
attained by him ? And what is there that is incapable of
being obtained by him before whom goeth that foremost of
bowmen himself bearing arrows, swords and other weapons ?
You will again see him returned from the forest. O exalted
one, chase your grief and sadness, I tell you this truly. Q
blameless one, you will again, O auspicious lady, see your
son, like onto the new-risen moon, paying homage unto
your feet with his head. And again seeing him returned and
crowned with great auspiciousness^ you will speedily shed
the dew of delight. O noble lady, do not grieve or lament.
Evil cannot touch Rima. You will soon behold your sot>
along with SitI and Lakshmana. O sinless one, it is for yot>
to console these people. Why then, O revered one, do you
suffer your heart to be thus overpowered ? O eminent one,
you ought not to bewail, inasmuch as Righava is your
son. In this world there is not another residing in honesty
that is superior to R^ma. Beholding your son surrounded
by his friends, bowing unto you,* you will soon shed blissful
tears, even like a rain-cloud. And soon will your son
conferring boons, returning (to this place), press your feet
with those soft and plump hands of his. And even as a

3i6 RlMlrANA.

chain of clouds speaks unto a Iiill, you will speak onto
worshipful and heroic son, surrounded by his frk
bowing unto you/' Having thus addressed Rftma's n
and inspired her with hope in various words, the noble
pleasant and blameless Sumitrft, clever in speechi pn
Hearing those words of Lakshmana's mother, that wi
the best of men, RSima's mother, had her sorrow desU
in her person, even like an autumnal cloud surchaiged
slight rain.

SECTION XLV,

X HE people, who yarned after Rlma having^ trull
prowess, followed him repairing to the forest* Even \
the king in the interests of his son had with muct
restrained himself, these, following RSLma's car, did not di
That illustrious one crowned with every perfection was
unto the inhabitants of AyodhySi like unto the full r
himself. Although besouj;ht by the subjects, the tni
Kakutstha havlnor pledged his word unto his father, kec
going lo the forest. And affectionately eying them
drinking them with his sight, Rama touchingly addrc
those subjects as if they were his own, — "The love
regard whicli the inhabitants of Ayodhyi have for mi
them, for pleasing me, extend in full measure tow
Bharata. That enhan^^er of Kaikeyi's delight bearing
auspicious character, will duly compass your happiness
welfare. Aged by virtue of his wisdom, although young
years, and mild albeit furnished with heroic virtue,
remover of fear will make a fit ruler for ye. Crow
with every regal virtue and selected as the beir-appai
(by the monarch), he is more meritorious by far than I
It behoves ye to obey the order of your master. And seel

A YODH rlKlNDAM, 3 » 7

tny good, it behoves ye to act so that when I shall have
gone to the forest, the kingf may not grieve." But as Da9a-
ratha's son was bringing home to the people that their duty
lay in oheyine the royal mandate, they desired that even
Rama should rule them. And Rama in company with Sumi-
tra's son attracted the inhabitants of the city subdued by his
virtues, who stood with tears in their eyes. And the three
kinds of the twice born ones, viz., those old by virtue, respec-
tively, of age, wisdom, and ascetic energy, the old folks with
their heads shaking through length of years, — cried from a
distance, — ''O ye fleet coursers boasting of exalted extraction
that bear Rama away, do ye desist, — do not go ; do ye do
even what is for the good of your master. And more parti-
cularly being creatures furnished with ears, do ye, ye horses,
knowing our prayer, desist. And pure of spirit and heroic
and ever firm in noble promises, that master of yours should
in justice be carried (unto the city) and not unto the forest
away from it." Suddenly seeing those old Brahmanas thus
lamenting distressfully, Rama speedily descended from his
car. And along with Lakshmana and SitS, RSma bound for
the forest, began to walk near them on foot. Endowed with
kindness, that friend of the good, Rama, could not by pro-
ceeding on his car bear to part with the BrSLhmanas that were
following on foot. Seeing him thus going, the BrShmanas
with agitated hearts, and burning in grief, addressed R3ma
in these words, — 'The Brahmanas in a body are following
thee ever seeking their good, and mounting on the shoulders
of the regenerate ones, the (sacrificial) Fires are walking in
thy wake. And behold these raised umbrellas of ours got
from the Vajapeya sacrifice, that like unto autumnal clouds
follow at your back. With these umbrellas got at the Vajapeya
sacrifice, we will afford shade unto' Rama destitute of his own
white umbrella, when be shall feel the heat of the (solar) rays.
That intelligence of ours which ever followeth the Vedic
Mantras, is now, O child, ready to follow thee unto the forest

SiS RlJUlYANA.

id thy interests. That best of treasures, the Vedto; ra
in our bosoms ; and our wives protected by their chastity
abide in our homes. As we have already made up our a
to follow thee, it is useless to fix our hearts afresh. B
thou overlookest virtue.what becomes of abidinfr by rifthti
ness ?* O thou that art ever firm in virtoe,we beseech tiu
humbling unto the dust our heads covered with hair white
like cranes, do thou desist. These numerotis BrlLbnaoafl
have come hither have entered upon many a sacrifice.
completion of these, O child, depends upon thj retam.
creatures mobile and immobile cherish thee with high tt{
All these beseech thee. Do thou show consideratioa
those that regard thee. Tall trees deprived of motioo ao
sequence of being fast rooted to the earth and incapabl
following thee, are prohibiting thee by sounding witl
wind. And birds staying upon trees and neither maaife!
any motion nor seeking for their food, beseech thee to
compassion upon all creatures.'' While the Brabmanas *
loudly demanding the return of R^Lma, he found the dark
to descend as if forbidding him. Then Sumantra unyokec
fatigued horses from the car, which at once fell to roUin]
the dust. And then bathing them and making theni di
be soon as the dusk set in, set fare before them.

SECTION XLVI.

HEN Raghava pausing on the banks of the Tamasft^i
ed at Sitft and spake unto SumitrSL's son, saying,^*'*0 soi
Sumitr&, this is the first ni^ht of our exile into the fo)

* Another reading it ; What Ucomes of thi virtue thai ma 9Mp0L$ m
hand* T-^T,

AYODHYlKlNDAM. ' 319

rom thia day it behoveth thee not^good betide thee, to suffer
\y mind to grieve (by dwelling on past joys.) The empty
»rest resounding with the cries of beasts and birds returned

> their abodes, and covered with gloom, seems to weep
1 all sides. Doubtless to-day the men and women of Ayo-
bya, the metropolis of my father, are bewailing us retired
) the forest. O foremost of men, the people are attached
nto thyself, the monarch, Bliarata, Satrughna, and myself,
^cause of our various good qualities. I bewail our father
» well as my illustrious mother. I fear lest lamenting cease-
rssly, they become blind. But surely the virtuous Bharata
ill console our father and mother with words fraught
ith virtue, interest and profit. Reflecting again and
g^ain on Bharata's sincerity of soul, I do not, O mighty-
rmed one, bewail either my mother or my father. O
)remost of men, that thou hast followed me is what
I thy duty. (If thou hadest not done so), I should have

> seek elsewhere for the protection of Vaidehi. O Sumitr4's
^n, I will spend here this night, subsisting on water
lone. Even this recommends itself unto me, although the
>rest yields various kinds of fruits.'' Having said this unto
•umitr&'s son, RSLghava spake unto Sumantra, saying, — "O
nld one, do thou now heedfully tend the horses.'' Then
t sunset, fastening the horses, Sumantra fed them plentifully
ith grass, and then came back. Then seeing the night
rrived, the charioteer worshipped the beneficent Sandhya,
nd then in company with Sumitri's son, prepared
.ama's bed. And looking at that bed on the shores of the
amas& surrounded by trees, R4ma along with his wife and
le son of Sumitra, lay down. When Lakshmana found that
ISlma afSicted with fatigue had slept together with his spouse,
e began to speak unto the charioteer concerning the various
oalities of Rftma. As remaining awake in the night, Sumitra's
on was engaged in expatiating to the charioteer on the
irtues of Rina on the banks of the Tamasi, the sun arose.

320 KiMAFANA.

R&ma abode that night along with the subjects all

distance from the banks of the Tamas& filled with I

Rising (from his bed), that highly energetic one, Rftma, i

ing the subjects (asleep), addressed his brother Lakshi

graced with auspicious marks, — "O son of Sumitrft, these

for our sake have disregarded their own homes, are

asleep beneath the trees. These citizens have detem

upon making me turn back from the forest,— -they s

rather renounce tlieir lives than give up their resolve.

us while they are asleep ascending on our car, swiftly ff

way without fear of molestation. Attached to me, the den:

of Ikshw^ku's city will not again indulge in sleep uoderi

trees. A prince should deliver citizens from the cala

they bring upon themselves ; but he should by no n

drag them into those which he himself has* brought

Then Lakshmana spake unto R&ma like unto manifest V

on earth, — **0 wise one, even this is relished also by

Do you speedily ascend (the car.)*' R&ma said unt<

charioteer, — **Do thou at ouce yoke the car. I will repai

the forest. Do thou, my master, swiftly go hence." Tl

upon the charioteer bestirring himself, yoking the exec

hordes unto the car, said unto Rama with joined hanc

"Here, O mighty-armed one, is your car ready yoked, O 1

most of car-warriors. Do you speedily ascend, good b<

you, along with Sita and Lakshmana." Ascending

car after equipping himself, RSighava crossed the rap

rushing Tama^a abounding in eddies. Having crossed

stream;, the auspicious and mighty-armed one came up

safe and goodly high way capable of inspiring even t

people with confidence. But with the view of deluding

citizens, K^ma said unto the charioteer. — *'0 charioteer,

thou ascending the car proceed northwards ; and ha

proceeded swiUly for a while, do thou turn the car. Do i

carefully act so that the citizens may not peic

thif." Hearing RSma's words, the charioteer did ace

A yODHrlKANDAM, S'^

ingly, and having returned « aid unto R&ma to ascend the
car.

Then on those perpetuators of the Raghu race having
along with SitSLbeen seated on the car,the charioteer drove the
horses by that road which conducted to the hermitage.
Then placing the car with its face northwards for the purpose
of invoking auspiciousness on their journey, that mighty
charioteer, Da^aratha's son, established on the vehicle, set
out for the forest.

SECTION XLVM.

•:0:0:-

HEN the night had departed and day dawned, the
citizens not finding RUghava, were overwhelmed with grief
and were deprived of their senses. With tears of grief and
afflicted with distress^ they looked hither and thither, but
they could not discover even the dust raised by Rama's car.
And those intelligent ones, extremely distressed on being
deprived of RSima endowed with understanding, with coun-
tenances betokening sorrow, spoke these piteous words,—
*'0h ! fie on that sleep through which having been deprived
of senses, we shall not to-day behold Rima of broad chest
and mighty arms. How could R^ma of mighty arms, resort-
ing to this undesirable course, has gone into exile as
an ascetic, leaving behind those that regard him dearly ?
Why has that foremost of Raghus, who has always
cherished us even as a father cherishes his sons begot by
his own loins, forsaking us, betaken himself to the forest ?
Here will we either renounce our lives, or direct pur course
to the north to meet death. Of what good are our lives,
when we have been deprived of Rama ? There are huge
trunks of dry wood to be got here in plenty. Lighting the

322 Rl.VlrANA.

pile of woods will we all enter the fire. What shall wc sif
(when people ask us ?) How can we say, — 'We took hence
the mighty-armed, sweet-speeched and unavenging RSma*?
Surely seeing us without Raghava, the forlorn city with her
Avomen, children and grown up folks will be plunged in grid
We had issued with that high-souled hero. Deprived of faiSi
how shall we behold that city ?" Thus raising up their armii
Ihey stricken with grief, indulged in lamentations, like natft
kine deprived of their calves. — Then following for a while the
track of the car, they, missing the track^become overwhelmed
with woe. And then those intelligent ones came back by the
track of the car. "What is this ? What shall we do ? We
have been foiled by some supernatural agency." Then thej
returned to the city of Ayodha with its good people oppresied
with grief, by the self-same way by which they had come
Viewing the city, they with their eyes weighed down with
grief, and minds oppressed with woe^ shed plentiful tean.
"This city deprived of Rama does not look beautiful, like a
lake bereft of its serpent by Garura, or the firmament depriT-
ed of the Moon, or the ocean without its waters." And thej
disturbed in mind beheld the city sunk in sorrow. And enter*
ing their wealthy mansions, they deprived of their senses by
grief, could not recognize them for their own, nor could thej
with their hearts rendered absolutely cheerless, although look-
ing at them minutely, distinguish their own from others.

SECTION XLVI II.

HEN with depressed spirits, and exceedingly

with tears flooding their eyes, smitten with mortal grief^ the
inhabitants of the city went back from R&ma unto the dtj.

A iodhyAkXndam. ZZJ,

And with their lives appearing as ready to go out, those^
unsteady ones came to their respective homes, and surrounded
by their wives and sons, washed their faces with copious tears.
And they forgot to rejoice or make merry, and the traders
did not spread (their stores), and stalls did not grace
the place, and the householders drd not cook, and people did-
not rejoice on recovering lost property or gaining a profuse-
accession of wealth, and mothers did not feel any delight
on beholding their first-born. And in every home females
afflicted with woe, weeping chid their husbands, coming
home, with the following words as (drivers) spur elephant*
with hooks, *'Of what use are their houses, and wives, and
wealth, and sons, and comforts, to those who see not RSghava
(in their midst ?) There is one only good man in this world
even Lakshmana, who along with Sita is following Kakutstha
Rama unto the woods. Those streams, assemblage of lotuses^
and pools are blessed, by which bathing in the sacred waters,
KSkutstha will pass. And romantic forests and woods, watery
expanses of mighty volume, and mountains with flat spaces^
will grace Kikutstha. And forests and hills to which will
repair RSLma cannot go without paying him homage like unto
a welcome guest. And crested with flowers of various hues
and putting forth frequent shoots, trees, swarming with bees
will show themselves unto RSghava. And hills from regard
will show unto RSima arrived there the choicest flowers and
fruits even out of season ; and will supply him with fount-
ains of pure water. And presenting him with m^ny a charming
fountain, trees will delight Rama at the tops of mountains.*
Where R&ma is, there is not fear or failure. That mighty-
armed son of Da^aratha is heroic. Let us while he is yet
ahead within a short distance of us, follow RSghava. Even
the shadow of the feet of our master, so high-souled, would,
bring us happiness. He is the lord of all these — he is the

• The meaning is, — Trees vill please Rdghava by spreading for him a bed
0/ Uaves a nd flowers . — T,

324 RlMlVANA.

refuge — lie is the accomplishment of our religious duties. W«
and you, will serve Siti, and Righava." Thus afBicted mtli
grief, the women of the city spake unto their husbands. "lo
the forest RSLghava will attain for you the unattainable and
protect what is attained ; and Sit5 being a female will do the
same for these (women.) Who will take pleasure in residing ii
a dwelling where the heart dies within itself, which is devoid
of delight, where the people are always agitated with anziet]
and which is exceedingly disagreeable ? If this kingdoa
devolves on Kaikeyi it will be divested of all virtues and wil
be like unto one without a master. And of what avail then ifl
our life itself,not to speak of sons and wealth. Whom else wil
that stainer of her line, Kaikeyi,forsake now, who for the salu
of wealth has forsaken her son and her lord ? We swear b]
our sons that so long as Kaikeyi is alive, we living will nevei
stay in her kingdom, although we may be maintained by her
What happiness can be ours by living with that wicked anc
unrighteous one who lost to every sense of shame is beoi
upon exiling the son of the foremost of kings ? Troubled b]
disturbances, with all its sacrifices stopped, and having nc
master over it, the entire (kingdom) will meet with destructioi
because of Kaikeyi. On R&ma retiring to the forest, tbi
lord of earth will surely not live ; and Da9aratha dying, it h
evident everything will come to naught. Do you, your virtut
exhausted,, and oppressed with grief pounding poison, take it
or follow Righava, or remove to such a place that the ver]
name of Kaikeyi may not reach your ears t Rima has beei
deceitfully exiled along with his wife and Lakshmana ; and wi
are bound unto Bharata like unto a (sacrificial,) beast befon
one that is to slaughter it. Surely that mighty car-warrior^witl
deepest collar-bones having a countenance resembling the foil
moon, sable-hued, repressing his foes, with his arms reachinf
unto his knees and lotus-like eyes — R«lma the elder brotbe
of Lakshmana — always speaking first (to a visitor,) suavi
truth-telling, endowed with prowess, amiable unto all

A yodhfAkAndam. 325

5 sind lovely like the moon himself, surely that foremost of men
gifted with the strength of a mad elephant, will grace the
forests, ranging it around." Thus lamenting in the city, the

' females thereof burning in grief became distressed like people
stricken with panic on the occasion of a plague.

As the women were thus bewailing RSLgliava in their
homes, the Sun set and night came on. And the city became
enveloped in darkness, and the light (of the sacrificial fires)
was extinguished, and the sounds of study and edifying dis-
course ceased. And the shops of the tradesmen being closed,
and festive mirth having disappeared, and people becoming
defenceless, the city of AyodhyS resembled the firmament
deprived of the stars. And distressed for the sake of Rama
as if it was a son or a brother of theirs that was banished, the
women weeping forlorn^ lamented with senses . lost ; and
Rama was to them more than a son. And the voice of song
and festal glee and dance and sounds of instruments having
died away, and mirth having disappeared, and the shops not
displaying their wares, Ayodhyi then resembled the mighty
ocean emptied of its waters.

SECTION XLIX.

■:0Q:-

X HAT best of men, Rama, remembering his father's com-
mand cleared a large tract of country before the night
terminated. And as he went on, the auspicious night was
spent. And then having offered up his devotions unto
the beneficent Sandhya, RSLma entered into another
country. And seeing villages having ploughed fields on
their skirts, and flowering woods, he by means of those
excellent horses, proceeded very fast although seeming to go

326 RAmUFANA.

slowly. And as Rama proceeded,* he heard the vill^Oi
speaking to each other, saying, — "Fie on king Da^aratlli
who has yielded himself up unto lust 1 Ah ! the rebuUaii
fell and sinful Kaikeyi intent upon impiety,having put bybcr
honor, has resolved upon an exceedingly atrocious deed— fk
that exiles into the woods such a virtuous son of tk
monarch, endowed with high wisdom, kind, and having hb
senses under control.f Alas ! king Da9aratha has no affectioi
for his own son, since he wishes to dismiss from hence Rlmi
sinless and dear unto the subjects.*' Hearing these words
of the villagers, that hero, the lord of Ko^ala, left Ko^ah
behind him. Then crossinpf the river Veda^ruti of sacred
waters, Rama went in the direction of the quarter in which
Agastya resided. (South)

Then proceeding for a good while, he crossed the
coolflowing stream Gomati running in the direction of the
ocean, with its banks filled with kine and inundatiDf
its edge. Having passed the Gomati, RSighava by meaiii
of fieet-coursing horses next crossed over the river
Sandika resounding with the cries of cranes and pea-
cocks. Here Rama showed unto Vaidehi those flourish-
ing regions that had formerly been conferred by king Mann
on IkshwSku, and which teemed with populous tracts. TbfD
frequently addressing the charioteer, saying, **0 Suta", thai
best of men furnished with grace and endowed with a voice
like that of a mad swan, spoke, — "When shall I coming back,
range ahunting the blossoming groves of the Sarayu, along
with my father and mother ? I do not so much long for
hunting in the woods of the Sarayu ; but a relish (for the
pastime) is considered as beyond compare being held
in esteem by the RSjarshis. Hunting in the forest was ia-

* The N. W. P. text has an additional couplet : — How will thai exmUM
lady, Janaka's daughter, ever engaged in enjoyment, bear misery ? — 7*.

t The N. W. P. text has an additional line : — And of the repreheiuibie Km-'
keyi intent upon cruel deeds. — 7,

A yODHVlKlNDAM. 337

\ -produced for the recreation of RSghavas. Yet do I not take
r beyond measure to the chase which has been followed
|. in season by the descendants of Manu and which is ever
, CQveted by bowmen. Taking this subject, the descendant of
^ Ikshwiku passed the way, addressing sweet words unto the
> charioteer.

SECTI ON L.

XJLaving passed the extensive and romantic Ko9ala, the
intelligent elder brother of Lakshmana facing Ayodhya said
with joined hands, — "O best of cities, governed by Kakutstha,
I address thee as well as the deities that inhabit and guard
thee. Returning from my abode in the woods, I will, freed
from my debt unto the lord of earth, behold thee again along
with my father and mother." Then he furnished with grace-
ful coppery eyes raising his right hand, with tears in his
eyes and in forlorn guise addressed the people of the
provinces, saying, — *'Ye have shown due compassion and
regret for me. To grieve long is not fit. Do ye therefore
repair to look after your interests." Thereupon, saluting
that high-souled one and going round him, bewailing all the
while in heaviness of heart, they at times stopped on their
way. And as they kept lamenting, unsatiated in beholding
him, RSighava went beyond the range of their sight, like the
Sun disappearing at night-fall. Then that powerful one
mounted on his car left behind him Ko9ala ^bounding in
wealth and kine, inhabited by charitable people, auspicious,
free from every kind of fear, charming, containing altars and
stakes, with gardens and mango groves, furnished with
tanks teeming with burly and contepted people, filled with
kine, worthy of being protected by monarchs and resounding
with the sounds of Vedic recitations. Proceeding at a

328 RiAlArANA.

middling pace, that best of those endowed with foitk
passed through lands smiling cheerfully, piospa
and crowded with elegant villas,— realms wotihf
being coveted by the foremost of kings. Theo Rig
saw the celestial GangSl running in three croanei
cool waters free from moss, beautiful to behold« freqw
by the sages, adorned with graceful asyluins
by, containing sacred watery expanses haunted at
hours of sport by delighted ApsarSis, graced with cela
DSinavas, Gandharbas and Kinnaras, ever holy, attendi
the wives of N&gas and Gandharbas, with hills servii
sporting-places for the celestials — the river surrouade
gardens of the immortals — that for the behoof pf the cde
had ascended heaven, famous, furnished with asseni
of celestial lotuses, with the rocks laughing aloud io o
quence of the dashing of water, laughing without bic
with foam, sometimes having her water flowing like a
and sometimes decked by eddies, sometimes still and <
and sometimes rushing furiously, sometimes sounding sol
ly and sometimes roaring dreadfully, with crowds of d<
bathing in its water, embellished with fresh-blown lot
having spacious shoals and spots covered with glittering a
resounding with the cries of cranes of various kinds^ gr
by CAairavdias, ever resorted to by maddened fowls, wit
blame, decked by trees on its banks resembling garl
somewhere covered with full-blown lotuses and somew
containing multitudes of lotuses, at places decked with ti
of lilies, at others with opening buds, rife with the fj
of various flowers, sometimes resembling a proud feo
removing the dirt of sin, translucent like a gem to the v
with the elephants of the quarters, wild ones, mad one
well as those the best of their species, and those carr
the foremost of celestials, roaring in the neighbouring wo
adorned carefully with the choicest ornaments like unt
damsel, crowded with flowers and fruits and bushe

A YODHYkKkNDA M. S«9

miso with birds, flowing from the feet of Vishnu, divine,
without sin, capable of destroying it, filled with porpoises,
crocodiles and snakes, drawn out from the matted locks
of Sankara by the energy of Sagara's descendant — the
queen of the Ocean — resonant with the cries of cranes and
kraunchas. The mighty-armed Rama came to the Gangft
near Sringaverapura. And beholding (the river) with her
surging eddies, that mighty car-warrior said unto the chariot-
eer, Sumantra, "We will rest here to day. There is hard
by the river a gigantic Ingudi tree, bearing a profusion of
flowers and fresh leaves. Here, O charioteer, will we stay
to-day. I see (before me) the foremost of streams, whose
waters are honored iby all) and which is sacred to celestials
and men and Gandharbas and beasts and serpents and fowls.
Thereupon saying unto Rdghava, ''Very well," Lakshmana
and Sumantra with the horses went to the Ingudi tree. And
reaching the tree, that desendant of IkshwSLku alighted from
the car along with his wife and Lakshmana. Then descend-
ing, Sumantra relieved those excellent horses, and with
joined hands stood before RSLma seated at the foot of the tree.
There lived at the place a king named Guha, a friend unto
R&nia, dear as his own self, a NishSLda by birth, powerful
and famed as the lord of the NishSldas. Hearing that that
foremost of men, R§ma, had arrived at the place, he (Guha)
surrounded by his aged counsellors and kindred came unto
him. Seeing the lord of the Nishddhas at a distance, R&ma
came up unto him in company with Sumitr&'s son. Thereat
touched, Guha embracing Raghava said unto him, '*0 R&ma,
as Ayodhyi this kingdom is unto thee. What shall I do for
thee ? Who, O might-armed one, receives such a welcome
guest?" Then speedily bringing various kinds of sapid rice
and Arghyas, he said, — "O mighty -armed one, has thy journey
been a pleasant one ? This entire earth is thine. We
are thy servants ; thou art our master. Do thou rule here,
accepting the eatables and drinkables and those that are to

330 RlMlrANA.

be sucked and excellent beds and fodder.'' When Guha bad
said this, Raghava answered him, saying, — '*Wc hare bcei
well received by thee and are well pleased with thee, sioa
couiing here on foot thou hast shown us affection.'*' Thei
pressing Guha hard with his arms, Rlima said, ''O Guha, i
is by good luck that I see thee whole aion^ witb thy friendi
]s thy kingdom in peace botii as regards thy friends and th
forest ? The things that thou hast presented me with out a
love I accept but cannot enjoy. Do tboa know me as asswa
ing an ascetic mode of life in the woods, in which I am i
were Ku9a and bark and live upon fruits and roots. So, witi
the single exception of the food for the horses, things re<|uin
I none ; and these horses being well kept, I shall conside
myself as entertained by thee. These are the favorites of oq
father, Da9arStha, and on tl>ese horses being well proYidei
for, I siiall be well received. Thereupon Guha on the spo
commanded the men, saying, *'Let the horses have wtthonl
delay meats and drinks.'' Then putting his sheet over U
person, he (R^ma) performed his evening devotions. Hariai
done this, he took as his sustenance the water that hadbeei
procured by Lakshmana himself. On RSlma having lain dowi
on the ground along with his wife, Lakshmana washed tkeii
feet, and then remained stationed under the tree. Then boi
in hand and with his wits about him, conversing wit)
Sumitra's son along with the c!iarioteer,Guha remained awake
watching Rama. Thus the livelong night passed away witl
that illustrious, intelligent and high*souled son of Dafarllha
unacquainted witb troubles and worthy of happiness.

A yODarJl^lNDAM, 331

SECTION LI.

•:oo:-

.S for the purpose of p»rotecting his brother, Lakshmana
was watching him out of sincere affection, Guha burning
in grief addressed that descendant of Raghu, saying — **Tlus
O ciiild, IS the easeful bed that hath been prepared for
thee. O prince, do thou as thou listest, lie down upon it.
These (foresters) are inured to this hardship ; but tiiou art
worthy of ease. We will wake up during the night for guar-
ding Kakutstha. Tliere is none on earth dearer unto me than
R^ima. This I tell thee truly and I swear by truth itself.
Through his grace I hope in this world to attain high fame,
and grent religious merit as well as completely secure profit
and pleasure. I will bow in hand in company with my kin-
dred adequately guard my dear friend reposing with Sita^
Always ranging in this forest, nothing herein is unknown to
me. I shall vanquish even any mighty body of fourfold forces
(that may come up against us.)" Thereupon Lakshmana said, —
*'0 sinless one, protected by thee ever having thy sight fixed
on virtue, we do not fear to live in this place. But how with
Da^aratha's son lying down on the ground along with Sita
can I indulge in sleep or what is the use of my living and
enjoying happiness ? Him do thou behold with ease asleep on
the grass in company with SitS, who was incapable of being
borne in fight by the gods and the Asuras. Hfm do thou
behold, who was obtained by Da9aratha as his son through
various kinds of prowess, mantras and asceticism, and who
IS crowned with virtues beseeming such austerities, etc.
R«lma being banished, the king will not live long\ and
the earth will shortly be widowed." Having bewailed
aloud, the women have, methinks, (by this time) ceased
through fatigue, and the king's residence is still. I can-
not hope that Kau9aly5, the king, and my mother are yet
alive. If they are, it is for this night only. Even if my

33 J RlMlVANA,

mother live looking up to Satrughna, yei this is my gric}
that that mother of a hero, Kau9aly& will breathe her lait
And that palace filled with people attached unto Ris
and flooded with the light of delight, will, visited wU
the calamity that will befall the king meet with deslmctios.
How will the life of that bigh-souled king not seeiof
his magnanimous son, his eldest son, remain in his body?
And the king dying, Kau9alya will die after him and thenisy
mother will depart this life. Frustrated in his desire, mj
father, foiled in his endeavours to confer the kingdom M
Rima, will, exclaiming 'All is lost,' 'AH is lost/ give up the
ghost. S'lrely they are blessed that when the tim.e shall come
when the king will die, will perform the funeral rites of thit
descendant of Righu. They will happily range the«capital
of my father, furnished with fairlooking terraces, with its
high ways laid out orderly, having lordly edifices and palatial
residences, graced with excellent courtezans, abounding with
cars, elephants and horses, resounding with the notes of
trumpets — the abode of all auspiciousness — filled with portly
and contented folks, rich in gardens and villas, and celebra-
ting popular festivities. If Da^aratha live we shall returning
from the forest, behold that high-souled one observing noble
vows. If we remain in peace, we shall returning from the
forest with that one firm in promise, enter Ayodhyi." As
the highsouled son of the king oppressed with grief was thaa
lamentina sitting up. the day broke. When that son of the
foremost of men, intent on the welfare of the subjects had
spoken thus truly, Guha, out of extreme affection for (Rlma)»
shed tears afflicted with grief and hurt like an elephant
suffering from fever.

A YODHVlKlSDAM 333

SECTION Lll.

HEN the morning broke, that illuslriou*? one having a
spacious chest, RSma, addressed SumitrS's son, Lakshmana,
graced with auspicious marks, — *'This is the time of sunrise :
the reverend Night hath departed. O child, this gracefully
sable-hued bird, the coel, has begun to warble, and I hear the
cries of peacocks uttering notes in the woods. O amiable
one, we will cross the Jahnavi, fast rushing to the ocean."
Hearing Rama's words, that enhancer of the delight of
friends, SumitrS's son, conveyed them unto Guha and the
charioteer; and then stood before his brother. Hearing of
RSma's speach and accepting it, that lord of the NishSdas
speedily summoning his counsellors spike unto them saying,
— **Do ye without delay bring to this bathing-place a strong
and elegent boat furnished with a rudder and steered by a
helmsman, such as is capable of ferrying (people) comfort-
ably." Hearing this mandate of Guha. his potent counsellors
procuring a goodly boat, informed him of it. Then with
joined hands, Guha spake unto RSghava, saying, — *'The boat
is ready, worshipful one. What more shall I do in thy behalf?
O thou that resemblest the son of a celestial, here is
the boat for thee, O foremo<^t of men, to cross over the
river that goeth after the ocean. O thou of excellent vows,
do thou ascend it." Thereupon the highly energetic
RILma said unto Guha the following words, — ''I have attained
my end through thee. Do thou at once get on board ihe
^^gg^gc" Then donning on their mail and equipped with
their bows, quivers and swords, the Raghavas along with
Sitft descended unto the Gang9. Then coming forward in •
humble guise before Rama cognizint of virtue, the charioteer
said with joined hands, — ''What shall I do (now) ?" There-
upon Da9aratha's son touching Sumantra by his goodly
right hand, said,— "O Sumantra, do thou aga'n repair unto

334 RAmIVANA.

the monarch, but let thy senses be unclouded.^ "Do thou*
said he unto the charioteer, ''turn back. So far I have come
(in obedience to the order of the monarch;. Now, renonnc^
ing the car, will I repair unto the mighty forest on foot"
Finding himself thus commanded, the charioteer, Sumaotn
grieved at heart spoke unto that best of men, the descendant
of IkshwSiku. 'That Destiny owing to which you will have
to pass your days in the forest like a low person, along with
your brother and wife, has in this world been withstood faj
none. I deem tlie Brahmacharyya mode of life, or study, or
meekness or sincerity as attended with no fruit, since yoa
have come by calamity. O Raghava, living in the forest
with Vaidehi and your brother, you, O Lord, attain a state
(of supreme excellence), having, as it were, conquered the
three worlds. O RSLma, it is we, wretched that we are^
that are undone, as we, deprived of your company,
shall come under the sinful Kaikeyi expressing^ great
misery." Having said this, the charioteer, SumantrSt
seeing RSima intent upon going to a distant land, wept
for a long while in heaviness of heart. Then when he
had dried up his tears, and sanclified himself by touching
the water of the GangI, Rima again addressed the charioteer
in sweet words, saying, — 'I do not find any one that is a
friend of tlie sons of IkshwSku like unto thee. Do thou so
act that king Da^aratha may not grieve (forme). The lord of
earth h<ith been deprived of his senses by grief, hath growa
old, and is oppressed by the weight of desires (thwarted).
Therefore it is that I tell thee this. Whiitever that noble-
minded lord of earth commands for the pleasure of
Kaikeyi, should by us be done with alacrity. It is for
this that those lords of men, kings, govern, — viz., that others
may not thwart their purposes. O Sumantra, do thou act so,
that the mighty monarch may not come across any thing ao«
pleasant, or be attacked with chagrin through grief. Do thos
saluting him for me say these words unto the aged monarcfci

aYODHYIKXNDAM. 335

jmho has his senses under complete control, and who bath

sever seen misfortune before. 'Neither I nor Lakshmana

jgricve for being ejected out of Ayodliya, or that we shall have

to abide in the forest. After these fourteen years have gone

,by, you will see Lakshmana, Silcl and myself come to you

"speedily.' Having thus, O Suniantra, in my name again and

again spoken to the king, to my mother and to Kaikeyi along
with the other revered ladies do thou communicate unto
JCau^alya our welfare conveying unto her at the same time
Site's and Lakshmana's salutations to her feet as well those of

myself who am her eldest son. Do thou also tell the king, —
*Do you spedily bring Bharata ; and when Bharata has come,
let him be invested with royally. And when you have

^' embraced Bharata and installed him in the kingdom, you

'' MO longer be overpowered with grief on our account,' And tell
£harata, — 'As thou bearest thyself unto the king,so it behoves
thee to bear thyself to all thy miothers, without making any

' ^listinction at all. As Kaikeyi is unto thee, so without
distinction is Sumitri, and so also without distinction my

* mother Kau9aly&. Governing the kingdom as the heir-
apparent with the view of compassing the pleasure of our
father, he will be able to secure happiness both in this world
and the next." Told by Rama to go back and instructed
in this wise, Sumantra having heard everything, addressed
Kakutstha from affection, saying, — "It behoves you to forgive
what I say plainly from affection, without letting myself
be overwhelmed with emotion, and with due reverence
for you. How can I, O child, without you return to
that cityi which seems as if afQicted with the grief incident
to the loss of a son ? Having then seen my car with Rama on
it, the hearts of the people and the palace now will in all likeli-
hood burst when they shall see it without R2ima. Surely the
city wil be distressed ou beholding this empty car, like
a host seeing a car with its hero slain and the charioteer
alone left in the field. Thinking in their minds that

33^ RkiMXlANA,

you although actuall/ at a great distance from tb

are before them, the subjects (not finding yon) '

renounce food (and thus destroy themselves.) ^

yourself witnessed how the subjects overwhelmed f

grief on your account, conducted themselves w

you were being banished unto the woods. They will

seeins: me with the car. burst out into lamentati

exceeding a hundred times in bitterness those in which t

indulged when you set out for the forest. Shall I say c

the worshipful one, — 'I have conveyed your son to the Iw

of his maternal uncle. Do you not grieve'. I will never

such a lie. Yet how can I speak this truth which ii

very unpleasant ? And ever abiding by my command

used to carry your friends, how can these excellent hoi

bear this car without you \ Therefore, O sinless oo

shall not be able to go to AyodhySL without you ; an

behoves you to permit me to follow you to the forest.

if you forsake me who beseech you. I will as soou as

by you, enter into fire along with the car. I shall

RSighava, by means of this car, withstand all those imp

ments that shall present themselves against your asc

austerities in the forest. I have through- your fai

experienced the pleasure of driving the car. I ex]

at your hands the pleasure of living in the woods. Be

propitious. It is my wish to remain in the forest with ;

and do you say, affectionately — *Do you remain by my si

And these horses, O hero, will attain to a supreme stai

they serve you during your abode in the forest. Living in

forest, I will serve you with the crown of my head ; ai

will entirely renounce Ayodhyft or the celestial regi

themselves. Even as a doer of evil deeds cannot e

the metropolis of the mighty Indra, I am incapable of ei

ing Ayodhyft without you. And this is my desire that

term of exile over, I may carry you back to the palaa

this very car. Remaining with you in the forest the four

AYODHYAKANDAM. 337

years will pass away dwindled into a moment, but without
you, they shall assume the proportions of an hundred years.
O you bearing affection towards your servants, it does not
behove you to forsake your servant having regard for you,
ever abiding by the way that is wended by the son of his
master, and observing the duties of his position." There-
upon Rima kind towards servants, said these words unto
Sumantra as he besought him thus humbly in various ways,
"O thou that bearest attachment unto thy master, I know
that thou regardest me highly. But do thou listen as to why
I send thee to the city from hence. Seeing thee returned to
the city, my youngest mother Kaikeyi will believe that Rama
has gone to the woods. Then well pleased on my having
repaired to the woods, she will not entertain any apprehen-
sion anent the righteous monarch, thinking that he is
untruthful. This is my first wish that my youngest mother
may obtain her son's kingdom, properous and well protected
by Bharata. Do thou, O Sumantra, bear thyself unto the
palace to compass the end of both the king and myself, and
do thou communicate in the desired way what I have said
unto the respective parties." Having said this unto the
charioteer and consoled him again and again, the energetic
RSLma spoke unto Guha the following words fraught with
reason, "O Guha, I should not now reside in a forest in-
habited by men. I should certainly now abide in an asylum
in proper guise. In harmony with the wishes of SitS and
Lakshmana, I, imposing on myself in the interests of my father
selfdenial and wearing that ornament of ascetics, a head of
matted hair, will go (to the forest). Do thou therefore bring
me starch from the banian." Thereupon Guha speedily
brought the starch for the prince ; and prepared matted
locks for himself, Rima and Lakshmana. And that mighty-
armed chief of men wore matted locks. And those brothers
R2Lma and Lakshmana dressed as mendicants, and wearing
heads of matted hair, appeared like saints. Then entering upon
43

338 RAM AY AN A.

the V&naprastha mode of life, RSlma along with Lakshmaaa
assuming the vow of that life, observed unto that adherent
of his, Guha, — ^^'Do thou, my friend, vigilantly protect the
army, the exchequer, the fort and the provinces ; for a king-
dom demands all the exertions (of the king thereof)." Then
taking the perarission of Guha, the descendant of Ikshwikv,
holding his soul in calmness, set out with his wife and Lakab-
mana. Seeing a boat at the river-side, that son of IkshvAko
desirous of crossing the swift-coursing GangS, spoke these
words, — '*Do thou ascend, gently, O foremost of men, the boat
that stayeth here, after the making the virtuous Sit& ascend
by taking her by the hand.'' Hearing his brother's command,
that strong-willed one, furthering everything, having made
Mithil^'s daughter ascend, ascended himself. That energetic
elder brother of Lakshmana next ascended himself. Then the
lord of the Nish^das, Guha, incited his kinsfolk. Having
got on board the boat^ the exceedingly puissant R&ghava foe
securing his welfare, recited mantras fit to be recited bj
Kshatriyas and Brahmanas. Then that mighty car«warrior,
Lakshmana, sipping water from the river as laid down
in the scriptures, bowed down to it along with Sitft in
gladness of heart. Then telling Sumantra, Guha, aud the
forces, RSlraa ascending the boat, ordered the boatmen
(to proceed). Then the boat decked out by the helms*
man, moved by them, and urged on by the pulls of the
goodly oars, proceeded apace in the water. Having
arrived at the middle of the Bhagirathi, that blameless one,
Vaidehi, with joined hands, addressed the river, saying,— *
<'0 GangSl, protected by thee, may the son of the intelligent
and mighty monarch, Da^aratha, execute the mandate
(of the latter.) Having spent complete fourteen yean
in the forest, he will return in company with his brother and
myself. Then, O worshipful one, O thou of auspicions
fortune, having returned safely, I will, O GangS, worship thec^
thou that crownst every desire. O thou that wendst in three

A rODHYA KA NDAM. 339

ways, O revered one, thou envelopest the regions of BrahmS.
Thou appearest in this world as the spouse of the Ocean-
king. I will, O respected one, bow down unto thee, O
beauteous one, I will hymn thee, when, with good fortune
returned, the foremost of men has obtained the kingdom,
I will to please thee give away unto Brahmanas hundreds and
thousands of kine, cloths, sapid rice, and vessels of wine by
thousands, and ptllaos. O worshipful one, I will worship
thee on R§ma having returned to the city. And I will
worship all the gods that dwell on thy banks, as well as the
holy spots and fanes, as soon as, O sinless one, that
mighty-armed one without sin will, coming back from his
abode in the forest, enter Ayodhyi in company with
his brother and myself." Having thus addressed the
GangS, that blameless one ever obedient unto her hus-
band, swiftly went to the south bank (of the river). Going
to the (other) bank of the stream, that best of men, and
subduer of foes stood along with his brother and Vaidehi. Then
that long-armed one spoke unto the enhancer ofSumitrSL's
delight, saying, — ^'Be thou, whether in society or solitude,
intent upon protecting SitS. Of course it behoves us to protect
her in lone places. Do thou, O son of SumitrS, go ahead ; and
let Siti follow thee. I myself will go in your wake, protect-
ing both yourself and Sit5. Surely, O foremost of men,
we should now protect each other. We have not yet
performed any of the arduons tasks. To day Vaidehi will
know the grief of a life in the woods. And to day she will
enter the forest destitute of the concourse of men, devoid of
fields and gardens, uneven, and containing pits, etc."
Hearing Rama's words, Lakshmana went ahead ; that descend-
ant of Raghu, RSlma, followed Sit§.

On RSma having speedily crossed the Gangl, the

distressed Sumantra who had been gazing at him stedfastly,

being no longer able to discern him, turned away his «yes

and, overcome with grief, shed tears. And having crossed

340 RAM AY AN A.

that mighty river, that high-sooled one, that bestower of
boons^ resembling in prowess a Lokap&la, without delaj
entered the flourishing and smiling Vatsas crowned with
goodly crops. And then the two (brothers) having slain the
four kinds of beasts, viz., boars, risyaSy prishatas and maid'
rurusy* and taking their flesh, in the evening took refi^
under a mighty tree, feeling the demands of appetite.

8CTION LIIK

JjLaving taken refuge under the tree and performed his
evening devotions, that foremost of those capable of charm-
ing others, RSLma, addressed Lakshmana, saying, — ''To day
is the first night (which we must spend) outside the
inhabited tracts without the company of Sumantra. Thon
ought not to suffer thy mind to be uneasy on that score.
From to night forth, we shall have to guard her vigilantly ;
for, O Lakshmana, the preservation of what she has as well
as the securing unto her of what she has not, rests with us.
We will, O son of Sumitrl, anyhow pass the night ; let us
ourselves procuring (leaves) and spreading them on the
ground, anyhow lie down on it." Saying this, R&ma
lying down on the ground although worthy of a costly
bed, spoke these excellent words unto Sumitr&'s son,— "O
Lakshmana, surely the king sleeps uneasily to day, and Kaikeyi
having attained her end ought to be satisfied. Will not
that revered lady, for the purpose of having Bharata estab-
lished in the kingdom, take the king's life, when she shall
see Bharata arrived ? Forlorn and old and deprived of roe,
I do not know what he wiH do, his soul possessed by desire,
and having come under the influence of Kaikeyi. Viewing
this calamity (that has overtaken us) and the disorder that has

• Varieties of deer. — T.

AYODHYAKANDAM. 341

taken place in the senses of the monarch, I deem even lust
as more potent than either virtue or interest. O Lakshmana,
iKrhat man is there ignorant though he be, who for the sake of a
female forsaketh as my father has done me, his son follow-
ing his foot-steps ? Ah ! Kaikeyi's son Bharata with his wife
IS really happy — he that enjoys the sole sovereignity of the
delighted Ko9alas. Now that our father has grown old and
I have taken refuge in the forest, he will alone experience
the supreme felicity in the kingdom. He that renouncing in-
terest and virtue, followes lust, speedily gets himself involved
in troubles even like king Do^aratha. O amiable one, I think
that Kaikeyi has been born for making an end of Da9aratha,
sending me into exile, and conferring the kingdom on Bharata.
At present for imparting me pain, Kaikeyi intoxicated by the
tide of good fortune, will afflict Kaugaly^ and SumitrS. Thy
mother, the revered Sumitra, will be smitten with grief on
our account. Do thou, Lakshmana, tomorrow morning repair
unto AyodhyS : I alone will go unto Dandaka along with
Sit5. Thou wilt be the protector of the helpless Kau^alya.
Kaikeyi is surely mean-minded, she perpetrates wrongs
from malice. O thou cognizant of virtue, she may
administer poison unto my mother. Surely, O child, in a
former birth, women were bereft of their sons by my mother,
O son of SumitrS ; and it is for this that this misfortune has
befallen her. Having been brought up and reared with
great pains by Kau9aly2L, I have left her at the time when her
labors ought to have borne fruit. Fie on me ! Let no woman,

0 son of SumitrS, give birth unto a son like me who have
imparted such infinite pain unto my mother. O Lakshmana,

1 consider my mother's female parrot as more sharing her
affection, since she is heard to say, 'O Suka, do you bite the
foot of the foe ? What am I, O repressor of foes, now to do for
her, bewailing, of slender fortune, — she that hath not profitted
in the least by her son, and who stands in no further need of
his good offices ? Surely my unfortunate mother, Kau9alya,

342 RUM AY AN A.

bereft of me, lies down on the ground, overwhelmed will
woe, and plunged in an ocean of grief. O Lakshmaai^
enraged, I alone, without doubt, can rid Ayodhyi — the Eartfc
herself — by means of my arrows. But improper is the dispUj
of prowess for no reason. O sinless one, I am afraid flf|
unrighteousness and of the next life ; and for this it is tUb
O Lakshmana, I do not install myself in the kingdom."

Having in solitude for a long while piteously bewaiM
thus 'and in other w*ays, RSma sat silent in the night mtt
tears in his eyes. Thereupon Lakshmana consoled Rli
spent with lamentation, like unto (ire deprived of its radieace
or the ocean of its tide. ''Surely, O R3ma, O foremost ol
warriors, on your having come out, the city of Ayodbyl b
shorn of its splendour like the night deprived of the mooa.
This is not fit that you should grieve ; for thereby, O fon*
most of men, you make both SitS and myself grieve. 0
RSLghava, deprived of you neither Sit& nor I can live for a
moment, like fish taken out of water : without you, O re>
pressor of foes, I wish to see neither my father, nor
Satrughna, nor Sumitri, nor heaven itself." Then viewiaf
from where they sat at ease their well-laid bed under the
banian, those virtuous ones (RSLma and SitS) went to k.
Hearing Lakshmana's excellent and appropriate words wiA
which he gladly assumed a life in the woods, that subduerof
foes, RSlghava, in the name of righteousness, at once fuDj
granted him the permission to dwell with him for the entire
fourteen years. Then like unto a couple of lions dwelliog
on a mountain-summit, at that lone spot of the extensife
forest, those powerful perpetuators of the Raghu race, beful
to dwell without fear.

A FODHrA KA NDA RL 343

SECTION LIV.

.aving passed the auspicious night underneath that
mighty tree, they, when the sun had risen in unclouded
splendour, went away from that place. Then diving into
a mighty forest, they proceeded in the direction in which the
Bh§girathi Ganga meets with the Yamuna. And those
illustrious ones went on, viewing at intervals various fields
and delightful lands which they had never seen before. And
going on beholding various kinds of blossoming trees, Rama
when the day had declined, spoke unto Sumitra's son, saying,
*'0 son of SumitrS, do thou behold the beautiful wreath of
smoke that rises in front of PraySga — sign of the worshipful
Fire, and I infer some ascetic to be near. For certain we
have arrived at the confluence of the GangSL and the Yamuna ;
and it is for this that we hear the roar of the waters produced
by the rushing of them. And all these various trees with
their wood hewn away by foresters are seen in the asylums.*'
Thus having proceeded at ease, those bowmen when the
sun stood aslant, arrived in the vicinity of the ascetic's
residence on the delta of the Yamuna and the Gang§. And
proceeding awhile on the way, Rama, in presence of the
asylum^ came up to Bharadwijas place, frightening beasts
and birds. And arriving at the hermitage, the heroes desirous
of seeing the ascetic, stood at a distance with Sit^ behind
them. And as soon as entering in, that exalted one saw
that high-souled anchoret of accomplished vows, who
had attained spiritual insight through austerities, sitting
surrounded by his disciples after having finished the
AgnihotrSL, R§ma with joined hands saluted him along
with Sumitra's son and SitS. Then Lakshmana's elder
brother imparted unto BharadwSja a knowledge of himself.
**0 worshipful one, we are the sons of Da^aratha, Rama
and Lakshmana. This is my wife, the auspicious daughter

344 RAM A r ANA.

of Janaka. This blameless one foUoweth me unto the soliti
forest ; and my dear younger brother, the son of Snmi
too, observing the vow, follows me, who have been eiil
by my father. O revered one, commissioned hy tny hftk
I will enter the forest of asceticism, and there subsistisg
fruits and roots will practise virtue." Hearing those words
the intelligent prince, that righteous (ascetic) brought a hi
as well as arghya and water and divers kinds of ediU
consisting of wild fruits and roots. And that one of ik
austerities assigned quarters, along with beasts and biids
well as ascetics, for RSLma. Then paying homage unto Rii
as 1^ proceeded by short stages, and asking him, — ''Has yc
journey been a pleasant one ?" — the ascetic sat down. A
when Raghava had sat down after receiving the homai
BharadwSija spoke unto him these words fraught with virtne,
'^O KSLkutstha, I behold thee come after a long time. I ha
heard of thy causeless exile. This spot at the meeting xA t
mighty rivers is lonely, sacred and charming. Do thou dw
here happily .'' Thus addressed by BharadwSlja, that descend]
of Raghu, RSLma intent on the welfare of all, answered in ai
picious words, — "O reverend one, I apprehend that,
by, the inhabitants of the city and the provinces,
me as easily to be seen, will come to this asylum desiro
of beholding me and Vaidehi. It is for this reason that lini
at this place does not recommend itself unto me. Do tho
O worshipful one, hit upon a retired and agreeable asyla
where Janaka's daughter worthy of happiness, will pass h
days pleasantly.'' Hearing this auspicious speech of Rlghav
that eminent anchoret Bharadwllja said these words cak
lated to serve RSma's purpose, — "Ten ATr^jtfx hence, my chil
is the mountain where thou shalt dwell. It is inhabited 1
maharshisy and is sacred, and picturseque throughout, abouni
ing in GoldngulaSy monkeys, and bears, — known by the

* When an eminent guest came to a person's house, he offered ma€ikmfmr\
with a bull vrhtch was killed for his entertainment. — ^T.

AYODHYAKANDAM, 345

of Chitrakuta — resembling GandhamSkdana. On beholding
the peaks of Chitrakuta, one reaps welfare, and ignorance
does not envelope one's mind. There innumerable saints with
the hair of their heads rendered white like skulls, having spent
hundreds of qrears, have through austerities ascended heaven.
That solitary spot I deem as one which will make a happy
residence for thee. O Rima, do thou, for living out the
term of thy banishment, dwell either here or with me."
BharadwSLja entertained his welcome guest, RSlma, along
with his wife and brother by extending towards them every
rite of hospitality. And at PraySga RSma having obtained
the company of that Maharshi, and discoursing on a variety
of sacred topics, the night came on. And with Sit§ for the
third, Kikutstha brought up in luxury, being fatigued,
pleasantly spent that night at the romantic hermitage of
BharadwSja. When the night had passed away and day
dawned, (R&ma) approached BharadwSja, and that chief of
men addressed that ascetic of flaming energy, — "O reverend
sire of truthful character, we have here in thy asylum spent
the night. Do thou now permit us to set forward (for
Chitrakuta)." On Rlma having passed the night there,
Bharadw^ja spoke unto him, — "Do thou trace thy steps to
Chitrakuta filled with delicious fruits and roots. I deem that, O
mighty Rlma, as a fit abode for thee, being, as it is, furnished
with various kinds of trees, inhabited by crowds of Kinnaras,
resounding with the cries of peacocks, and frequented by
gignantic elephants. Do thou repair unto the famed Chitra-
kuta, holy, fair to the view, and abounding in countless fruits
and roots. And in those forests range herds of elephants
and deer ; and these, O Rlghava, thou wilt behold. And
ranging with Sit2L rivers and rills and plateaus, caverns and
fountains, thy mind will experience delight. Delighted
with the notes of joyous Koyastivas and coels, and the cries
of deer and countless mad elephants, do thou, arriving at the
auspicious mountain, reside at that romantic asylum/'
44

346 RAMAVANA.

SECTION LV.

aving spent the night there, those princes— repressfl
of their foes — after paying their obeisance unto^ the Malu
shi, set out for the mountain. And seeing them about
set fortti, that Maharshi performed a propitiatory ceremoi
for them, even' as a father does on behalf of the sons beg
from his own loins. And that mighty ascetic^ BharadwS
having truth for his prowess, addressed them, saying,— "
best of men, do you coming to the confluence of the Ganj
and the Yamuna proceed along the KSIindi river flowii
westwards. Arriving at the Kalindi running in a contnu
direction, you will, O R^ghava, behold a goodly bathing plai
wcH-worn by foot-passengers. There constructing a ral
do you cross over the river who is the daughter of the So
Next coming to a gigantic banian tree with g^een foliag
named Sy§ma, surrounded by various trees and inhabited I
ascetics of accomplished purposes, let Sita with joined ham
offer humble supplications to it. Having come to the trc
and, whether staying under it or proceeding along, afU
parsing only a Krosa^ you will, O RSlma, see a wood aboum
ing in Sallakis, Vadaris, and other wild trees belonging unl
the YamunS. I went to Chitrakuta many a time by th
road, which is beautiful, sandy, and free from forest-fire.
Having directed the way, the Maharshi paused. Thereupo
R5ma, saying, — "So be it,^* asked him to stop. On the as
cetic turning away, Rlma spoke unto Lakshmana, '*We ha
surely acquired religious merit, good betide you, since, tl
ascetic has shown compassion unto us.*' Having thus coi
versed with each other, those foremost of men endowc
with intelligence, placing SitSl in their front, proceeded ti
wards the river KSLlindi. And having arrived at the K&Iim
of rapid currents, they desirous of crossing over, began t
think (as to the means). Then with heaps of dry wild woe

AYODHYAKANDAM. 347

covered with grass, they constructed a large raft. And tlie
puissant Lakshmana tearing twigs from the ratan and the
rose-apple, made a comfortable seat for Sita. Then Da^a-
ratha's son, Rama, made his bashful wife (in power) incon-
ceivable like unto Sree herself, ascend the raft, and carefully
laid beside Vaidehi her attires and ornaments as well as the
hoe and the basket. And first having placed Sita on the raft,
those sons of Dagaratha ascended themselves, and with glad
hearts began carefully to cross (the stream). Having come
near the middle of the Ktlindi^ Sita prayed unto her, saying,
— *-Hail to thee, O goddess ! I cross thee. If my husband
can successfully perform his vow, I will worship thee with a
thousand cows and an hundred vessels of wine, hail unto
thee, upon RSLma's return to the city ruled by Ikshwaku."
Having thus prayed to*K§lindi with joined hands, that
virtuous lady, Sit3l, reached the southern bank thereof. And
by means of that raft they crossed that fleet-coursing daughter
of the Sun, heaving with billows — the river Yamuna with
her banks abounding with innumerable trees. Then renounc-
ing the raft, and passing by the woods adjoining the Yamuna,
they came upon a banian SyamU by name^ of cool shade and
verdant foliage. On coming to the banian, Vaidehi saluted
it saying, — "O mighty tree, I bow unto thee. May my hus-
band fulfil his vow ; and may we heboid Kau^alyg and the
illustrious Sumitra." Having thus prayed with joined hands,
the intelligent Sit5 weat away. Seeing the blameless and
beloved Sita ever conducting herself properly, — praying,
Rlma said unto Lakshmana, '*Do thou, O younger brother of
Bharata, taking Siti with thee, go forward. O best of men,
furnished with weapons, I will go in thy wake. Do thou
procure Vaidehi with whatever fruits or flowers may please
her and she may wish to have." Seeing every tree and shrub
crowned with blossoms unseen before, that one belonging
to the softer sex questioned Rama about it. And hearings
Sit&'s words,. Lakshmana brought unto her (fruits and flowers^

348 RAM AY AN A.

of beautiful and flower-scattering trees of divers kinds. And
beholding streams with water flowing over glittering sands
and resounding with cranes of various kinds, the daughter of
king Janaka felt exceeding delight. And having proceeded
just a Krosa, those brothers, R§ma and Lakshmana, having
killed many a sacred deer, began to range in the woods
of the YamunSL. And having disported in the beautiful woods
resounding with multitudes of peacocks and inhabited bjr
elephants and monkeys, they looking as lively as ever, coming
to the level banks of the river, took up their quarters there.

SECTION- LVI.

W hen the night had been spent, that best of Raghus
gently awakened Lakshmana from his light sleep. ''O Siuni-
tra*s son, do thou hear the dulcet notes of the birds in the
woods. Let us proceed. O repressor of foes, the time of
our departure is present." Awakened at the proper time,
Rlma's brother left ofl sleep and drowsiness and clinging
fatigue. Then they all arising touched the sacred waters of
the river, and began to proceed on the way to Chitralrata
inhabited by ascetics. Setting out in season with
Sumitr§'s son, he of eyes resembling lotus-petals spoke these
words unto Sita, — "O Vaidehi, behold these flowering trees^
the Kinsukas in spring appearing engarlanded with their own
flowers, and as if flaming. — Do thou behold the Bhallttakat
and Vihvas bending beneath their fruits and flowers, with no
man to enjoy them. Surely, we shall be able to live heie^
Behold, O Lakshmana, these honeycombs measuring aboiA
a Drona have been hung up on trees by the bees. In the
charming woods overarched by flowers, the Ddtyuka crie%
and is responded to by the peacock. Do thou behold Chitn*
kuta frequented by mad elephants and resonant with the

A rODHVA KA NBA M. 349

voice of multitudes of birds — the mountain with its towering
summits. O child, we will disport in the sacred woods of
Chitrakuta with fine level plains,and covered with divers trees/'
Then they proceeding on foot along with Sita, arrived at the
charming and beautiful mountain Chitrakuta. And arriving at
the mountain inhabited by birds of various kinds, abounding
in fruits and roots, and furnished with watery expanses,
(R&ma) said, "O amiable one, methinks this beautiful hill fur-
nished with innumerable fruits and roots, is fraught with
subsistence. And the hill is inhabited by high-souled ascetics.
Let this, O child, be our abode. We will dwell here." Then
R3ma, Lakshmana and Sit& with joined hands presented
themselves at the asylum of V&lmiki and saluted him." There-
at the Maharshi cognizant of morality said unto them,
"Be seated !" and addressed R§ma, saying, — "Has thy jour-
ney been a pleasant one ?" Then having duly acquainted the
saint with matters pertaining to himself, that lord, the mighty-
armed elder brother of Lakshmana, said unto the latter, "O
Lakshmana, bring thou wood good and strong. O amiable
one, construct a dwelling. My mind is set upon staying
here." Hearing his words, Sumitra's son procured wood of
varibus descriptions, and then that subduer of foes reared a
cottage thatched with leaves. Beholding that goodly dwelling
walled with wood and furnished with doors, R^ma addressed
these words unto Lakshmana, intent upon ministering unto
his brother. ''Procuring meat, we will worship the deity
presiding over this dwelling. O SumitrSL's son, those who wish
to live long, should pacify the household gods. O Lakshmana
graced with auspicious eyes, do thou killing deer, swiftly
brin^ it here. It behoves us to observe the rules prescribed
by the scriptures. Do thou follow the ordinance." Acquainted
with the words of his brother, Lakshmana, slayer of hostile
heroes, did as he was told. Thereupon Rama addressed him
again, "Do thou cook this meat. We will worship the pre-
siding deities of this mansion. Bestir thyself, — ^the moment

350 RAMA VAN A.

is mild and the day is styled Dhruva^ Then Lakshmana the
son of Sumitri endowed with vigor, having slain a sacred
black deer, threw it into flaming fire. And seeing it weH
scorched and hot and free from bloody Lakshmana spoke unto
that foremost of men, Righava, saying, — ''Here is the entire
black deer roasted by me, capable of serving any purpose.
Do you, O you that resemble a celestial, worship the gods."
Having performed his ablutions, RSma conversant with the
ritual and possessing a knowledge of Japa^ restraining hit
senses, performed all the mantras that are necessary for oooi-
pleting a sacrifice ; and having in a pure spirit communed
with all the deities, entered the habitation. And (this having
been done), RSLma of immeasurable energy rejoiced exceed-
ingly. And sacrificing unto Vaicya, Rudra and Vishnu, he
performed some ceremonies for removing malign influences
from the abode. And having duly performed Japa and bathed
in consonance with the ordinance, Rama made an ezcelleot
sacrifice for removing sin. And then R2Lghava established a
dais,and a chaitya proportionate to the abode."^ And as the
celestials enter the hall entitled Sudharmft, they together
with the view of dwelling in it, entered the mansion beautifol
to behold, thatched with the leaves of trees, built at a conve-
nient site, well-made, and keeping out the wind.t And having
come to the charming Chitrakuta and the river M|llyavati
furnished with excellent bathing places, and haunted by beasts
and fowls, they rejoiced with glad hearts, and forsook the
grief incident to their exile from the city.

* The N. W. p. text reads :— "And in that romantic forest aboaadii^h
various kinds of beasts and birds, with trees bearing a profvsion of
flowers, and resounding with the roars of beasts and serpents, thoM
who had conquered their senses, began to live happily."— T.

t Another reading is :— "And having with garlands made of wild
fruits, roots, meat cooked according to the ordinance, water, yapa
scribed by the Veda, grass, and faggot, worshipped the spirits, those
ants of Raghu, the auspicious R4ma and Lakshmana, in company vith
entered the graceful mansion."— T.

AYODHYAKANDAM. 35 ^

SECTION LVil.

JLLaving for a long time conversed with Sumantra, Guha
distressed at heart on Rama reaching the southern bank,
retraced his steps homewards. Learning from envoys at
(Sringaverapura) all about Rama's visit to Bharadwaj[a at
PraySga and his reception (at Bharadwaja's place) as well as
their destined journey (to Chitrakuta), Sumantra, taking the
permission (of Guha), yoked those excellent horses and with
a heavy heart directed his course to the city of AyodhyS.
And beholding perfumed woods and rivers and watery
expanses and towns and villages, he eagerly proceeded on
his way. And on the third day at dusk the charioteer
arriving at AyodhyS saw it bereft of happiness. And behold-
ing it empty and stilly Sumantra afflicted with exceeding
sorrow, and overwhelmed with grief, thought, "Perhaps the
city with her elephants and horses and men and king has
been consumed by the fire of grief on account of RSma."
Having thus reflected, the charioteer drawing up to the city-
gate by means of those fleet-coursing horses, speedily
entered the city. Thereupon, people by hundreds and
thousands rushed after the charioteer, Sumantra, asking,
"Where is Rama?" To them he replied, — "Having asked
Righava on the GangS and being permitted by him, I have
been sent away by that high-souled righteous one." Learning
that they (R§ma and the rest) had crossed over (the Ganga),
the men with tears in their eyes, sighed forth "O fie !" and
began to bewail, exclaiming, "Ah R5ma." And he heard
crowds exclaim, — "Not seeing RSLma in the car, we cease to
exist. We shall no longer see the righteous Rlma in the
midst of mighty assemblies engaged in charity, sacrifice or
nuptial rites. What was necessary for this body? What
was dear to them and what did they delight in ? — (constantly
revolving all this in his mind), RSma ruled this city even as,

35^ RAMAVANA.

a father." Then proceeding past the stalls, Sumantra heard
the lamentations of females at windows, burning in grief for
R§ma. With his face muffled, Sumantra proceeded on the
highway towards the palace of Da^aratha. Swiftly alighting
from the car and entering the royal residence, he weit
past seven apartments thronged with people. And beholding
Suniantra returned to the city crowned with edifices, seven-
storied houses, and palatial mansions, the women, stricken
with the absence of R9ma, set up a cry of "Oh'* and "Alas."
And waxing still more aggrieved, the females looked at each
other with their expansive and transparent eyes fast flooded
with tears. And then he heard the talk, as toned down it
proceeded from the royal mansions, of the wives of Dagaratha
afflicted with grief for RSLma. "Going in company with
R§ma, and returning without him, what will the charioteer
answer Kau9aly§ bewailing (for her son) ? Surely life b
miserable, yet is incapable of being renounced, since, altboi^
her son leaving (the installation) hath gone^ awayi yet
Kau^aly^ still liveth." Having heard those words of the
queens, fraught with truth, Sumantra burning as it were
in grief, at once entered the (next) apartment. And entering
the eighth apartment he beheld in a gloomy chamber the
king distressed and in a pitiable plight, woe-begone for grief
for his son. Thereupon presenting himself before the
monarch, Sumantra saluted him and then conveyed unto the
king the words of RSLma as he had uttered them. Hearing
them silently, the monarch with his mind exceedingly
wrought, dropped down to the ground in a swoon, afflicted
with grief for Rima. On the lord of earth swooning aw^
and falling to the ground, the inmates of the inner apartment
raising their arms burst into lamentations. Kau9alyft availing
herself of the aid of Sumantra, raised up her fallen lord and
addressed him, saying, ''This, O eminently virtuous onei if
the envoy of that one of an exceedingly arduous achievemeaty
returned from the forest. Why do you not accost him?

A rODHVAKANDAM, 353

O descendant of Raghu, you are ashamed to-day, having done
this wrong. Do you rise : merit be yours (arising from this
act.) Let not your adherents come to naught (because of
your sorrow). O worshipful one, she from fear of whom
you do not speak to the charioteer, Kaikeyi, is not here.
Do you therefore speak to him without fear.'' Having said
this unto the monarch, Kau9aly§ overwhelmed with grief,
with her voice oppressed with the vapour begot of emotion,
all on a sudden fell to the earth. Beholding Kau9aly§ fallen
on the ground bewailing, as also their husband, the ladies
seated around, began to lament. Hearing the sounds of
wailing arise from the inner apartment, old and young as
well as females, set up lamentations all round ; and the city
was again filled with them.

SECTION LVIIf

hen having been ministered unto and when his senses
had returned after the swoon, the king summoned Sumantra
for bearing tidings of Rftma. Thereupon the charitoteer
with joined hands spoke unto the mighty monarch, lament-
ing for Rima, influenced by grief and sorrow, aged, burning
in grief, like a newly-taken elephant, sighing heavily, plung-
ed in thought, and resembling an elephant that is indisposed.
Then the king like one exceedingly distressed, spoke unto
the charioteer, who had presented himself, covered over with
dust, with tears starting from his eyes, and in pitiable guise,
'^Where stayeth that righteous one, taking refuge under a
Ire^? Lapped in luxury, what, O charioteer, will R2Lghava
feed on ? Unworthy of privations, and worthy of excellent
beds, bow, O Sumantra, a king's son, he is sleeping on i\\t
gp'ound like one foriorn ? How is RSLma passing his days in
the lone forest — ho who when he went out used to be followed

35*4 RAMAFANA.

by foot-men and elephants ? How are the princes in oo
pany with Vaidchi, livings in the woods, ranged by seipei
and beasts and inhabited by black snakes ? How, O Sunu
tra, having descended from the car, the princes along w
the tender and unfortunate Sit& are proceeding on foot?
charioteer, surely thou art blessed, for thou hast beheld i
sons enter the forest, like the A^wins entering the Manih
hill. And what did RUma say ? And what did T^kshman
And, O Sumantra, arriving at the forest what did Mithil
daughter ? Do thou, O charioteer, describe unto me what Rli
lives on and where he lies down. Hearing this, I shall lii
like Yayati in the midst of saints." Thus urged by the kii
the charioteer spoke unto the king with his voice falteri
and suppressed with the vapour of grief, "O mighty monai
observing morality, Raghava with joined hands and bowi
down his head, said, 'O charioteer, do thou in my mu
salute with thy head the feet of my high-soulded sire wort
of being saluted, and famed (in the world). And, O chari
eer, do thou in my name as each deserves salute the ladi
of the inner apartment and communicate to them tidiDj
of my health. And having saluted my mother Kanfal
and conveyed unto her news of my welfare, as well as of i
unswerving adherence to morality, do thou tell her the
words,— Do you remaining steady in virtue, at the prof
hour bestir yourself in behalf of the chamber of sacrifici
fire. And, O revered one, do you minister unto the fi
of that worshipful one, (the king), as if they were ▼<
deities. And banishing pride and self-love, do you 1m
yourself towards my mothers. And, O mother, do you shi
respect unto Kaikeyi, who is followed by the king him«
And you should behave towards Bharata as one shoii
towards onc*s king. Kings (although juveline), are rea
senior by virtue of their royalty ; and do you remember t
duties touching sovereigns.*— Do thou communicate ui
Bharata news of my welfare and say in my name, — Do j

AYODHTAKANDAM, 355

behave properly wUh all your mothers. — And unto that
delight of the Ikswh&ku line do thou further say, — Having
been installed as the heir-apparent, be you, looking upon the
king as the supreme authority in the state, obedient to him.
Do you not deprive the king of authority, as he has grown old.
O Prince, do you grant him satisfaction in the kingdom and
do you proclaim his mandates.-^-And shedding copious tears,
he again addressed me, saying, — Do thou look upon my mother
as on thy own proud of her son. — Having said this, the
mighty-armed and illustrious RSma furnished with eyes re-
sembling lotus-petals, shed plenteous tears. Thereupon Laksh-
mana waxing wroth, breathing hard^ said, — For what fault
of his has the Prince been banished ? Observing the worthless
command of Kaikeyi, whether the king has done well or ill,
we have been exceedingly pained thereby. Whether RSLma
has been exiled through Kaikeyi's lust for dominion or through
the exigencies of the bestowal of the boon, there cannot be
any doubt that the king has acted most unrighteously. Even
if this hath been done in harmony with the wish of the Lord, 1
do not perceive any reason for the banishment of RSLma.
The king through lack of sense has done heedlessly what
is opposed to morality; and this banishment of Rlma will
but bring upon him woe here and hereafter. Fatherhood
find I none in the monarch. My brother and feeder and friend
and father is even Righava. Renouncing one that is uni-
versally dear, and that is ever engaged in the good of all,.
how by such an act will the king please the people ? And
how by banishing the righteous RSma dear unto all the
subjects, and thus withstanding the wishes of all, will he
retain his royalty ? — And, O mighty monarch, Janaki also^
unfortunate that she is, sighing heavily, stood wildered like
one that had been possessed. And not having experienced
any calamity before, the famed princess weeping because of
this misfortune, told me nothing. And looking up to her
lord with a blank countenance, she suddenly let (all tears^

356 RAMA FAN A.

perceiving the destruction of the subjects. And thus sj
Rama ministered unto by Lakshmana, with a tearful coua
nance ; and thus stood the unfortunate and weeping S
beholding the royal car and myself."

SECTION LIX.

"0»

R^ma having gone to the forest, my horses «
turned away, did not proceed vigorously on the way, and sli
warm tears. And having (done homage) unto both t
princes by joining my hands, I turned my back, bearing
best I could that load of sorrow. Indulging in the hope tl
Rama might again summon me by any of the envo)r8 (of Gd
left there), I stayed there with Guha for many dajrs. la U
dominions, O monarch, exercised by the calamity that h
befallen Rama, even trees bearing blossoms and buds ai
sprouts look sad ; the rivers and pools and liquid lapses hax
their waters dried up ; and the woods and groves have the
foliage withered. Creatures do not move and beasts of pn
cease to range about ; and the forest appears to be dun
stupified by grief on account of Rlma. And streams contai:
ing lotuses with their leaves shriveled, have their wate
stained ; and lotuses have their leaves burnt ; and fishes ai
(aquatic) birds have grown lean. And flowers both on landai
water have been deprived of their freshness :and fragrano
and they no longer retain their former condition. Ai
the gardens are idle with their birds drooping. And, O be
of men, I do not find the bowers beautiful (as before). Ai
when I entered AyodhyS, none greeted me. And not seaii
RSLma, the people sigh momentarily. And, O revered oi
seeing the royal car returned hither without R&ma, the peofi
on the highways from grief appear with tearful countenana
And from mansions, cars, and lorldly edifices, ladies seen

A FODHrA KA NBA M. 357

i the car come back, set up a chorus of 'Ah' and 'Alas,' afflicted
; with the absence of Rlma. And becoming more distressed
I than ever, the fair sex with their expansive and clear eyes
filled with tears, began to eye each other indistinctly. And
in consequence of the general grief that prevailed, I could not
perceive any difference between friends and foes and persons
indifferent. O mighty monarch, distressed in consequence of
the exile of Rama,men appear sunk in dejection, and elephants
and horses are spiritless ; and seized with cheerlessness,
they utter doleful sounds and heave profound sighs. Ayodhya
appeareth unto me joyless like KaucalysL deprived of her
son." Hearing the words of the charioteer, the king like one
exceedingly forlorn, addressed the former in words lost in the
vapour of sorrow, "Exhorted by Kaikeyi of a sinful country,
bom in a sinful race and cherishing sinful designs, I did not
take counsel with aged people capable of offering advice. With-
out consulting with friends or courtiers or persons versed in the
Vedas, I have in the interests of a woman rashly done this
thing through ignorance. Meseems, O charioteer, for the pur-
pose of destroying this line entirely, this mighty disaster hath
surely befallen us through the influence of Destiny. O chari-
oteer, if I have ever done thee any good, do thou immediately
take me to Rftma : my life urges me on (in this direction). Or
let my command make Rlghava turn back. I cannot live for a
moment without Rlma. But if that mighty-armed one has
proceeded far, do thou placing me on a car speedily show me
unto R&ma. Where is that elder brother of Lakshmana of a
mighty bow, fumbhed with teeth resembling Kunda flowers ?
If I live so long, I will behold him in company with Sit§.
What can be sadder than this, that reduced to such a pass,
I cannot see here that descendant of Ikshw&ku, R&ghava ?
Ah R&ma I Ah thou younger brother of Rlma ; Ah thou
unfortunate Vaidehi I You do not know that I am through
grief lamenting like one deserted." Deprived of his cons*
ciousncss through that sorrow of his, the king said, "I have

358 R A AM r ANA.

plunged myself into this ocean of woe hard to cross, wi
grief for R&ma as its mighty tide ; separation from Siti, i
other shore ; sighs heaved, its furious billows and whiripod
tears, rivers that rush into it ; tossing of the annsi its fishc
lamentations its roar ; my hair flung about, its moss ; Kaikq
its submarine fire ; my fast-flowing tears, its currefl
the words of the hump-backed one, its terrific raYeaoi
animals ; the boon, its continents ; and the exile of Rlm^ i
expanse. And, O Kaucalyl, without Rlghava, I shall sn
in this ocean. O exalted dame, living, it is hard for net
cross over this ocean. It is surely owing to my sin tliatt
day wishing to behold R9ghava and Lakshmana, I do not gi
them (before me)." Having thus lamented, the illustrious Ui
all of a sudden dropped to the earth in a swoon. On the kn
swooning away lamenting, that exalted lady, RSLma's moCk
hearing his words doubly bitter and more piteous than ev
uttered for Riima, was seized with fresh apprehension.

SECTION LX.

Xhen like one possessed by an evil spirit, and tremUa
again and again, Kau^aly^ lying down on the ground 13
one dead, spoke unto the charioteer, saying, ''Do thou lal
me where KSLkutstha is and Sit& and Lakshmana : witho
them, I cannot live for a moment. Do thou without dd
turn the car. Do thou take me also unto Dandaka. If I {
not follow them, I shall repair to the mansion of Yama." Tha
at the charioteer with joined hands comforted that exalted hi
with ready words faltering and choked with rising vapoi
"Do you leave grief and sorrow and the violent emotioi
Renouncing grief, Rlghava is living in the woods. And in d
forest, the righteous Lakshmana, having his senses uadi
control, is ministering unto R2ma*s feet and is thus adofiB

A rODHYA KA NBA A^ 3 5 9

the gods for happiness in the next world. And even in the
lonely woods, SitS as if remaining at home, having fixed her
thoughts on R^Lma, is living a life of love. And there appears
not the least trace of any distress afflicting her ; and Vaidehi
seems to me as if she were meant (by Nature) for a life
away from home. And as formerly going unto urban villas
she disported, she disports now even in the lonely forest.
And although living in the lone forest, that one of a counte-
nance resembling the infant moon, sports merrily like a
girl, in the garden represented by R5ma's self. Ayodhya
wjthout R&ma would have seemed a wilderness to her whose
heart is fixed on him and whose very life depends upon him.
Vaidehi is now asking (RSLma) concerning the villages and
towns (in their way) ; and observing various trees and the
courses of the rivers, jSLnaki, asking RSma or Lakshmana
(for information), is learning all about them. And SitI sports
as she used to do in arbours stationed at the distance of
only one krosa from AyodhyS. This only I remember ; but
all that she had from sudden impulse communicated unto
me concerning Kaikeyi, does not rise into consciousness."
Suppressing this topic which had come up through heedless-
ness, the charioteer spoke sweet words cheering up that
noble lady. '^Neither through the fatigue of travel, nor the
influence of the wind, nor excitement, nor the sun, hath
Vaidehi's lustre resembling the lunar light suffered any
diminution. The countenance of that fair-speaking one
resembling the lotus and comparable unto the full moon
in splendour, hath not waxed pale. Her feet now without
the dye of the liquid lac, but naturally furnished with the
roseate hue of the same, are gorgeous like lotus buds.
Still Vaidehi decked in ornaments from affection for RSLma,
goes gracefully, rebuking with her bangles the wavy gait
(of cranes). Supporting herself, on Rima's arm, SitSl arrived
at the forest, is not inspired with fear on beholding either
an elephant, or a lion, or a tiger. Therefore they are not to be

36o RAMAVANA.

bewailed, nor your own self, nor the lord of men.
history of Rima will endure for ever in this world.
ing grief and with cheerful hearts, well established
life led by the Maharshis, they living in the forest cm «il{
fruits as their sustenance, are maintaining the noble
of their sire." Consoled by the truth-telling jet
speeched charioteer, that lady oppressed with griief faj
her son, ceased not to wail loudly— "My beloved/' "Mj
^^Raghava."

SECTION LXL

vJn that foremost of those capable of charming peophi
the righteous Rima, repairing to the forest, Kaucaljfl Ukfmg
in grief said unto her husband, "Your great fame has spraii
over the three worlds ; and the descendant of Raghu is Un4
munificent and fair-speaking. Why then have you fofSltei
those foremost of men along with Siti? Broii^;hk. np M
happiness, and now brought to misery, how can they bcariti
And how can the youthful daughter oi MithilA of sfeafa
make, tender, and deser\'ing of happiness, bear heal and ooU)
Having formerly partaken of (excellent) rice with ciuriiesy hov
will Sit^ feed on wild rice ? Having heard excellent vocal ail
instrumental music, how will SitH hear the frightful cries of
carnivorous lions ? Resembling the gonfalon of the great lada^
where sleepeth the mighty-armed and exceedingly powmisi
RSLma, making his arm like unto a mace his pillow ?
shall I behold Rama's countenance hued like the lotus,
his hair ending beautifully (in curls), and his breath
nated with the fine perfume of the lotus, and his ejres
ing lotus leaves ? Surely my heart, without doubt, is awde sl
the essence of the thunderbolt, since not beholiling him, it k
not cracked in a thousand fragments. It is because •!

AYODHYAKANDAM, l^\

your sad act that mine own, being thwarted, although worthy
of happiness, are miserably ranging the wilderness. If after
the expiration of the five and ten years, Righava does return,
it does not appear likely that Bharata will renounce the
kingdom and the exchequer. Some on the occasions of the
SdLddha (first) feast their own friends, and having done this,
they mind the choice Br^hmanas. But those twice-born
ones that are meritorious, learned, and like unto celestials, do
not at the last moment regard even viands resembling am-
brosia. Br^hmanas of high respectibility endowed with
wisdom never bear being entertained after the other twice-
born ones have been feasted, even as bulls never quietly bear
to have their horns cut off. Why will not an elder brother
and one who has sterling merits, O monarch, disregard a
kingdom which hath been thus enjoyed by his younger
brother ? A tiger doth not like to feed on food procured by
others. Even so that tiger-like personage does not regard
anything that has come to be tasted by another. Clarified
butter, sacrificial cakes, Ku9a, stakes of catechu having been
used in one sacrifice cannot be used in another, — even so
this kingdom which hath been already enjoyed, like unto
liquor deprived of its essence or a sacrifice whose soma hath
been eaten, cannot be accepted by R§ma. Such an ill treat-
ment Rdghava will not put up with, even as, a powerful tiger
cannot bear the rubbing of its tail (by another). This world
aided by the gods fear to encounter him in high conflict ;
but he restrains himself,thinking any such action on his part as
unrighteous. Indeed, that righteous one brings back people
to morality. Surely, that mighty-armed one endowed with
exceeding prowess, can with his golden shafts burn all crea-
tures and the oceans, like the Day at the dissolution of all. But
such a man of men, possessed of leonine strength, and graced
with the eyes of a bull, has been destroyed by his father,
like a fish destroying his offspring. If you had believed in the
morality prescribed in the scriptures, and which is followed
46

362 RAMAYAf^A,

by the twice-born ones, you would not have banished yt
son. But disregarding such morality, you have banish
your virtuous son. One of the refuges of a woman is 1
husband, a second is her son, and a third is her relatives ; a
a fourth she has none. But you cease to be mine ; and Rii
has been sent to the woods. I do not like to go into t
forest ; so I am entirely undone by you. This kingdom, jo
own kingdom, has been destroyed by you ; destroyed are \
along with the counsellors ; destroyed am I with my son ; ai
destroyed are the citizens : your son and your wife are alo
delighted." Hearing these words uttered in heart-rendii
accents, Da^aratha exceedingly distressed, became sensele
And being afflicted with grief, he again remembered his r
act.

SECTION LXII.

X hus harshly addressed by the indignant mother of Rin
the king aggrieved was plunged in thought. Having thong
for a long while, that repressor of foes, the king, who k
lost his senses through grief, regained consciousness. Ai
having regained his senses, he sighing hot and hard, seeii
Kau^alySL beside him, was again lost in thought. As he w
thinking, the sinful act which he had through ig^oram
formerly committed by means of the shaft which hits I
sound, rose up (in his recollection). Afflicted with this grief
well as that on account of Rftma, that lord, the king, bnnM
in these two several griefs. Burning in grief and distressed, I
trembling and with joined hands, with his head hangii
down, addressed Kau^alySl, with the view of pacifying h«
"I deprecate thy displeasure, O Kau^alySL, with joined hand
Thou art ever affectionate and dost not treat harshly m

A rODHVAKANDAAS. 365

enemies. Verily unto women cognizant of virtue, a husband,
whether he has any merits or not, is a very deity. Ever virtu-
ous, thou, that hast seen both the virtuous and the vicious, al-
though aggrieved, ought not to say anything unpleasant
unto me who am weighed down with woe." Having heard
these piteous words of the distressed king, Kau9alySL uttered
words even as a water-way lets out fresh accession of rain.
And weeping, she drew on her head the joined hands of the
king resembling lotuses ; and then flurried spoke these words
hurriedly informed with extreme affection, "Be thou propi-
tious; I beseech with (bended) head. I bow unto thee,
failing on the ground. O reverend one, besought by thee,
I shall be undone. I do not deserve to be forgiven by
thee. She cannot be reckoned a gentlewoman, who is
propitiated by her intelligent husband, worthy of being ex-
tolled in both the worlds. I know duty, O righteous one ;.
I know that thou art truth-telling. And it is because I was-
exceedingly distressed on account of my son that I spoke
harshly to thee. Sorrow destroys patience, sorrow destroys
knowledge of the scriptures, sorrow destroys every thing ;
there is no enemy like unto sorrow. One can falling down bear
beating from an enemy ; but one cannot falling down bear
ever so little sorrow. This is the fifth night of the banishment
of R&ma, as calculated by me ; and to me rendered cheerless
by sorrow, this interval has assumed the proportions of five
years. And fostered by thought on my part, this grief ini-
creases in my bosom, like the mighty waters of the ocean
increased by the vehement discharge of rivers.*' As Kau9alySi
was thus speaking auspiciously, the rays of the sun grew
milder, and the night arrived. Cheered up by the words
of Kau9alySL, the king overcome by grief,, felt the influence
of sleep.

364 RAMAYANA,

SECTION LXIII.

{Starting in a moment from sleep, king Dacaratha deprived
(almost) of his consciousness by grief, (again) became a prey to
thought. And in consequence of the exile of R&ma and Laksh-
mana, the king resembling V§sava was overpowered by grief,
like the darkness of RSlhu enveloping the sun. Tlien on Rftma's
having gone along with his wife, the lord of the Kofalas, re-
membering his own misdeed, felt anxious to communicate
himself to that lady having her t^yts furnished with dark outer
corners. And on the sixth night after RSlma had repaired to the
forest, the king Dacaratha, when it was midnight, remembered
his own unrighteous act. And then unto Kau^alySl aggrieved 01
account of her son, he spoke these words, ''As are the actions
of one, O auspicious one— whether good or otherwise*-
are the consequences, O gentle lady, reaped by the doei
of them. He that on the eve of beginning an action
either relating to this world or the next, does not
take into consideration the fact that actions entail con-
sequences light or grave, disagreeable (or otherwise), is
styled a child. He that cutting down a mango grove, waten
Fal^sa trees, beholding the flowers (blooming), will covet
fruits ; and grieve when their season arrives. The person
that without apprehending (the principle of causation) rushes
to action, grieves at the season of fruits, even like him
that watereth kinsuka trees (hewing down his mango grove).
And in this way, I fool that I am having hewn down my grove erf
mangos and watered PaU^as, — having renounced R&ma in the
season of fruit, is grieving in the end. Having, O Kau^alyli
earned the expression — 'The Prince can pierce his aim by
sound alone,' — I, a prince and bowman, did this offence. There-
fore, O noble dame, I have myself brought this misfortune oa
me. like a child who has eaten poison through ignorance. And
even like another person Liscinated by the sight of

AVODHYAKANDAM. 365

PalSsa trees (and doing as mentioned above), I (did this act)
not foreknowing the consequence that would follow my shoot-
ing by sound. O lady, thou wert then unwedded ; and I was a
youthful prince. And it was at this time that the rainy season
increasing my desire set in. Drawing moisture from the
g^und and heated the earth by his rays, the Sun goes to the
dreadful quarter whither repair the dead. The heat was im-
mediately dispelled, and the gelid clouds showed themselves j
and frogs and SSrangas and peacocks began to rejoice ; and,
finding it unpleasant, the feathered ones bathed and with the
surface of their plumage shrunk up from the wet, took refuge
in trees shaken by the wind and rain. And the hill graced by
maddened SSrangas, covered by showers falling simul-
taneously looked like a mass of waters. And the waters
although unstained, being mixed up with mineral substances
and ashes from the mountain, flowed in serpentine torrents
black and red. At such a sweet hour, I intent upon taking
excercise, taking my bow and arrows and mounted on my
car, sallied out for the river Sarayu, with the intention that
I with my senses under control, should in the watery expense
slay any bufibilo, elephant, or any other beast that might have
come there in the night. And (coming there) while it was
so dark that nothing could be discovered, 1 heard sounds
of a filling pitcher proceeding from the waters ; resembl-
ing the roars of an elephant. Thereupon raising up my
shaft flaming and like unto a serpent of virulent poison, 1
desirous of hunting the (imaginary) elephant, let fly my sHaft in
the direction of the sound. Thereupon from the spot whereto
the sharpened shaft resembling a poisonous snake had been
discharged by me in the twilight, proceeded cries of *0h' and
'Alas' uttered by a forester pierced to the quick by the arrow,
and falling into the water. And when he had dropped down,
words spoken by a human being became audible. 'Why doth
the weapon light upon me ? I had come to this lone stream
for procuring water. By whom have 1 been wounded by

366 RAM AY AN A.

this arrow ? To whom have I done wrong ? And how cu lit
slaying of one like me bearing a load of matted locks^ and wcifb
ing bark and deer-skin, who subsists on what the forest jidli
and never injures others, be sanctioned by the scriptanti
Who can serve any purpose by slaying me ? And how ami
have injured such an one ? Such a purposeless act cannot bit
end in evil. This can never be reckoned as righteous even ttl
unto violating the chastity of a preceptor's wife. I do nolJl
much lament my end as I lament it on account of my fithn
and mother. To what will the old couple^ who have CW
been maintained by me, betake themselves when I am goas?
My father and mother are old, and I their only son is slsia
What boy is it of uncontrolled senses that has killed us aD?>
''Hearing his piteous words,, I ever anxious to fiolsn
virtue, was exceedingly pained, and the bow with its anw
fixed fell down from my hand to the earth. Hearing in .thi
night, the pathetic words of the saint thus lamenting^ I
became frightened, and was deprived of my senses thfoogl
excess of grief. And coming to the quarter, I ezceoUngljf
unnerved and with an excited mind, discovered on the
of the Sarayu an ascetic wounded with a shaft, prith his
ted locks scattered about, his pitcher of water Ijring by, bis
body smeared with blood and dust and afflicted by the dsit
Gazing with his eyes at me who was extremely agitated and 9
at ease, he said these words sternly, as if consuming me will
his energy, 'What wrong, O monarch, had I residing in tike
woods done thee, that coming to procure water for my
I have been thus afflicted by thee ? By piercing my
with a shaft, thou hast slain both my aged and blind father
mother. Surely, they feeble and blind, who afflicted by thiill
are remaining in expectation of me, will now bear (the straH
and tension of) the expectation as well as the parching thirit
Surely asceticism and study carry no fruit with them,
I lying low on the ground, my father knows nothing
it. And what could he do, even if he knew it, being as he is

AYODHVAKANDAM. 367

icapable and unable to go about ? One tree cannot rescue
lother that is being batttered (by the winds). Do thou, O
escendant of Raghu> thyself going to my father, speedily
[form of him this that has occurred. But take care that like a
'e waxing furious consuming a wood, he in his ire do not
am thee. This narrow way, O king, will lead thee unto my
.ther's dwelling. Do thou going there, pacify him, so that get-
ng wroth he may not curse thee. Do thou (now), O king, take
Jt the arrow. Thy sharpened shaft afflicts my marrow, like the
de of a river wearing away a hollow-heaving sand bank.'
ut touching the extracting of the arrow, this thought
srplexed me : 'If the arrow is left alone, it pains ; if
ctracted, death ensues.' As I was distressed, aggrieved and
nicted with sorrow, the son of the ascetic perceived my
ixiety. Thereupon that one well versed in the scriptures
nking motionless, with his eyes rolling upwards, and
axing extremely weak, said with difficulty, ^Restraining
>rrow, I by dint of patience become calm. Do thou remove
t>m thy mind the grief caused by the consciousness of having
ain a BrSlhmana. O king, I belong not to the twice-born
ice : let not thy mind be pained. O lord of the foremost
len, I was begot by a Vaicya on a Sudra woman.' As he,
is vitals afflicted with the shaft, his eyes rolling, inert and
embling on the ground, with his limbs drawn in, was
>eaking with difficulty, I drew out the arrow. Thereupon,
»oking at me, the ascetic, growing affrighted, gave up the
host. On beholding him with his body dripping with water,
nd mortally wounded, and breathing hard without respite,
fter he had bewailed his mortal wound, lying on the
anks of the Sarayu, I lamented him and was, O gentle
idy, greatly aggrieved."

368 RAMAYANA.

SECTION LXIV.

J\;emembering the extraordinary death of the Maban
that righteous descendant of Raghu, lamenting his •
thus spoke unto Kau9alySL, ''Having unwittingly commitl
that great sin, I, with my senses oppressed through gri
thought within myself as to how I could mend it. Tl
taking up the pitcher filled • with excellent water, I wi
by the way mentioned and (at last) reached the aqii
There I found his aged, infirm, forlorn, parents, without i
one to help them in moving about, — ^like unto birds wh
wings have been severed, keeping up a talk about (their si
without experiencing any fatigue, and like helpless oi
feeding on a hope which had been blasted by me. My sen
overpowered by grief, and my consciousness almost \
through apprehension, I, arrived at the hermitage, was agl
overwhelmed with sorrow. Hearing my footsteps, 1
ascetic said, 'Why, my son, deiayest thou ? Bring the dri
at once. Thy mother, O child, was exceedingly anxious
consequence of thy sporting in the waters. Do thou speed
enter the asylum. O child, it behoveth thee not.to take
heart any unkind action that, O son, may have been dc
unto thee of high fame either by thy mother or myself. Tl
art the resource of these helpless ones ; thou art the e]
of these bereft of their sight. Our lives are bound up w
thee. Why dost not answer T Seeing the ascetic will
choked utterance indistinctly speaking thus with the letl
not articulated clearly, I, dashed in spirits, yet concealing I
real state of my mind by assuming a doughty tong
communicated unto him the danger that had beffallen hin
consequence of the calamity of his son : i am a Kshatri
Da^aratha (by name), and no son of thine, O magnanimous o
I have come by a misfortune in consequence of an act Man
by the good. O revered one, desirous of killing

ArODHFAKANDAM. 369.

beast of prey, an elephant (or some other), come to the waters,
I went to the banks of the Sarayu bow in hand. Then hear-
ing sounds from the water of a filling pitcher, I thought, — ^This
must be an elephant. — I wounded it with a shaft. Next coming
to the edge of the river, I saw an ascetic lying down on the
ground almost deprived of life, with his heart pierced with
an arrow. Then coming forward, I in accordance with the
direction given by him as he lay in agony, suddenly extract-
ed the arrow from his vitals. And as soon as the arrow had
been extracted, he ascended heaven, O reverend sir, lamenting
and bewailing you, both grown old. It is through ignorance
that I suddenly wounded your son. This having been past,
do you favor me with telling me what is now to be done,
O ascetic* Having heard these cruel words, the worshipful
ascetic could well by his curse consume me to ashes. With
eyes flooded with tears, and well nigh deprived of his senses
by grief, that highly energetic one said unto me standing
with joined hands, 'If, O king, thou hadst not of thyself
immediately communicated unto us this unpleasant news, thy
head would have been reduced to a thousand flaws. Not to
speak of Kshatriyas, I can even drag the very weilder of the
thunderbolt himself from his position, if he knowingly kills
one, in especial, that has assumed the Vanaprastha mode of
life. Thy head would have been severed in seven, if thou
hadst discharged the weapon knowingly at such an asectic
staying in austerities and versed in the Vedas. It is because
thou hast done this through ignorance that thou (still) livest,
else the race itself of the Raghavas should be not, — and
where art thou ?' He then said, 'Do thou, O king, take us
to the scene. To day will we look our last on our son
besmeared with blood, his deer-skin garb falling off (from his
bodyy; lying senseless on the earth, and come un^er the
subjection of the lord of righteousness.* Thereupon I alone
taking them exceedmgly disconsolate to the spot, made the
ascetic and his wife touch their son. And having approached

370 RAM AY AN A.

their son and touched him, those ascetics fell on his
and then his father addressed him thus, 'Thou salirteit
me not to-day, nor dost thou speak to me. Why, xuf chOd^
dost thou lie down on the ground ? Art thou angry (with oi)^
If, my son, thou dost not feel kindly to me, do thou look 19
to thy virtuous mother. And why, O son, dost fhoi
not embrace me ? Do . thou speak tender words. At tk
small hours, from whom engaged in study, shall I hear tilh
scriptures sweetly read in a way coming home to the listoei'k
mind ? Who, having performed his daily devotions and oi^
ered oblations unto the sacrificial fire, will bathe me, afflidsl
with grief for my son ? And who procuring Kandas, fauili
and roots, will feed me like an welcome guest, incapable fli
doing anything and furnishing provisions, and without aof
one to take care of myself ? And, my son, how will I
tain this blind ascetic mother of thine, proud of her
who is passing her days in misery? Do thou stay, ^
son, in my behalf. Tomorrow thou wilt go to Yama's nfiantiiF
with me and thy mother. Distressed with grief and rendered
miserable in the forest, both of us deprived of thee shall sooa
repair to the abode of Yama. Seeing Vivaswata's sod, I wil
say unto him, — Do thou, O lord of justice, forgive
me, and let this my son continue to maintain us, Ui
parents. It behoves thee, O righteous and illustrious guafd-
ian of the worlds, to confer on me reduced to such a patf
this one enduring dakshind capable of removing our fear."-*
Thou, my son, art sinless, although slain by this onewhohtf
done an unrighteous act ; and by the force of this truth, ds
thou repair to the world of warriors. Do thou, O son, ^
the supreme way that is gone by heroes who without tumisf
back from the fight, are slain in open encounter. Do tfco^
O son, go the way that has been gone by Sagara and SNslvya
and Dilipa and Janamejaya and Nahusa and Dhunduoditi
Do thou, O son, go the way that is gone by all creatures,
by ascetics engaged in the study of the Veda, by

ATODHYAKANDAM. 371

of lands, by those performing fire-sacrifices, by individuals each
devoted to a single wife, men giving away a thousand kine,
persons tending their preceptors, and individuals renouncing
lives by fasting. He that is born in such a race cannot
come by any evil case* Such a condition be his that has
taken the life of thee, my friend.'

"Having thus piteously wept, he along with his wife set
about performing the watery rites on behalf of his son. There-
upon speedily assuming a celestial shape, the virtuous son
of the ascetic by his own actions ascended heaven in company
with Sakra. Then (returning) along with Sakra, the ascetic
comforting his aged parents, addressed them, saying, 'I have
attained a high state in consequence of having served you.
Do you also without delay come unto me.' Having said this,
the ascetic's son of restrained senses ascended heaven by
means of an excellent and commodious car. Having perform-
ed the watery rites, the highly energetic ascetic along
with bis wife speedily said unto me staying with joined
hands, 'Do thou, O monarch, slay me on the instant. I do not
grieve to die' — ^thou hast by thy shaft rendered me who had
an only son, absolutely sonless. Since this sorrow arising from
the calamity that has befallen my son, is at present mine
(through thy instrumentality), I curse thee, — thou shalt even
in this way find thy death from grief for thy son. As thou
a Kshatriya hast through ignorance slain an ascetic, the sin,

0 lord of men, of slaying a Brihmana will not envelope thee
speedily ; but thou shalt shortly come by this dreadful and
mortal condition, like a donor of DakshinSs (coming by the
things given away).' Having thus inflicted on me the curse
and piteously lamented long, the couple ascended the funer-
al pile and went to heaven. O noble dame, the crime that

1 hitting by help of sound, had committed in my boyhood,
has reverted to my recollection in course of thought. And,
O exalted lady, even as a disease generated by one's taking
rice with unhealthy curry, this danger is imminent in conse-

372 RAMAFaNA,

quence of that act. O gentle one, the words of that noble-
minded person are about to be verified in me.*' Having said
this and weeping, the king said to his wife, "I shall renounce
life through grief for my son. And I shall no more behold thee
with my eyes. Do thou, O Kau9alya, touch me. People
going to the mansion of Yama no more behold (their friends).
If Rama touch me directly or otherwise, obtain the exche-
quer, and be installed as the heir-apparent, meseems, I may
yet live. O noble lady, what I have done unto RSghava is
not surely like myself; but what (on the other hand) he has
done by me is worthy of him. What sensible man forsaketh
his son, albeit he may be wicked ? And what son being
banished, does not bear ill will towards his father ? But I do
not see thee with my eyes, and my memory fails. These
envoys of Vivaswata's son, O Kau^alySi, urge speed upon me.
What can be an object of greater regret than^that I during
my last moments cannot behold the righteous Rlma having
truth for prowess ? Even as the sun drieth up a drop of
water, grief for not seeing my son of incomparable acts drieth
my spirits. Those are not men — those are gods who in the
fifteenth .year shall again behold Raima's countenance graced
with elegent and burnished ear-rings. O thou of graceful
eye-brows, blessed are they who shall behold R3ma*s count-
enance furnished with eyes resembling lotus-petals, with
excellent teeth and a shapely nose, like unto the lord of the
stars himself. Blessed are they that shall behold that fragrant
face of his Hke unto the autumnal moon, or the full-blown lotos.
Thrice-blessed they who with delighted hearts, shall behold
Rama returned from the forest and come back to Ayodhyi,
like unto Sukra crowning the zenith ? O Kau^alySl, my heait
is weighed down with gr[ef ; and I do not perceive objects
of hsaring, feeling, or taste. My senses are growing dim in
consequence of the mental stupor, like the rays of a laam
reduced to smoke, becoming dim when the oil has been ex*
hausted. As the violence of a river wears away its bankSi

A rODHVA KA NDA M 373

my grief occasioned through my own agency is destroying me,
who am helpless and insensible. O mighty-armed Raghava !
O thou remover of my troubles ! O thou that dost delight
in thy father ! thou art my stay, O my son, that hast gone
away. O Kau9alya, I do not see. O wretched Sumitra ! O
cruel one, thou enemy of mine, thou Kjiikeyi, who hast be-
fouled thy line !" Having thus lamented in presence cjf Rama's
mother and Sumitra, king Dafaratha breathed his last.

Thus that distressed lord of men, smitten with the exile
of his beloved son, that one possessed of a gracious presence,
when the night had been half spent, wrought up with the
violence of his emotion, departed this life.

SECTION LXV.

W hen the night had gone away, on the morning of the
next day, eulogists, accomplished bards, genealogists skilled
in reciting, and singers versed in musical permutation,
presenting themselves at the place of the sovereign,
began to perform separately. And as they eulogized
the monarch with benedictions loudly uttered, the palace
resounded with the sounds of the eulogies. And as
the bards hymned the monarch, palm-players celebrating
the deeds of the kings of the Raghu race, began to play with
their palms. And awakened by those sounds, birds on boughs
and in cages worthy of the royal race, uttered notes. And
the sacred words uttered (by these), the notes of Vinds,
and the valedictory songs of singers filled that mansion.
And as on former occasions, men practising purity and well up
in serving, with numerous women and eunuchs entered
appearance. Persons acquainted with the ceremonials con-
nected with bath, according to the ordinance and in due time,
in golden vessels brought water impregnated with Hair

374 RAM AY AN A.

sandal powder. Pure females together with many vhgiiifl
brought kine &c, which were to be touched, Ganges water for
sipping, mirrors, cloths, ornaments and other articles.
All the things that were procured (for presentation unto the
monarch) were worshipped in accordance with prescription,
were furnished with auspicious marks, and were of excellent
virtues and possessed of auspiciousness. As long as the son
did not rise, all these people remained expecting the presence
of the king ; but then they were alarmed as to what had
occurred.

Those ladies that were beside the bed of the lord of
Ko9ala, were consoling their husband. And engaged ia tend-
ing the monarch with mild and pliant words, those females
knowing the condition of sleep, feeling him as he lay in lut
bed, did not perceive any action in the ever-moving pulse.
Thereupon apprehensive for ,4bB king's life, they began .to
tremble like a blade of grass on a torrent. Filled with doubts
at sight of the king, the ladies at last concluded that what
had been apprehended (by the monarch) had certainly taken
place. Overcome by grief for their sons, Sumitrft and
Kau^alySl were sleeping as if they were dead, and had
not yet awaked. Deprived of lustre, pallid, stricken \ff
sorrow, and lying with her limbs contracted, Kau^alyft looked
like a star enveloped in darkness. And after Kau9alyft, the
king, and after him, SumitrSl ; and with her countenance
faded from grief, this noble lady did not look particularly
lovely. Finding these two ladies asleep and the king seem*
ing as if sleeping, the inmates of the inner apartment
showed themselves as if their lives had departed out of
them. Thereupon exceedingly distressed, those paragons
of their sex, like she-elephants in the forest deprived of their
leader of the herd, broke out into wailing. At the sounds
of their lamentations, bpth Kau9aly2L and Sumitrft suddenlf
regaining consciousness, awoke from their sleep. And
Kau^alyi and Sumitri looking at the king and feeling liia^

AYODHYAKANDAM. 375

felt down to the earth, exclaiming, ''Ah lord/' As the
daughter of Ko^ala's lord rolled on the ground, she
covered with dust did not appear in all her loveliness, like
a star fallen from the sky to the earth below. And when
the king had departed this life, the women saw Kau9aly2l
fallen on the earth like the slain mate of an elephant. Then
all the wives of the monarch headed by Kaikeyi, burning
with grief and weeping, were well nigh rendered senseless.
And the loud sounds emitted by these, mingling with those
(who had ^been lamenting before them), attained greater
proportions and filled the hall. And the mansion of the king
became filled with people exceedingly excited and fright-
ened, eager to know all about the matter, — became filled with
lamentations, with friends afflicted with distress, its joy
instantaneously vanished — ^a scene of distress and dole.
Knowing that the lord of earth had departed, his wives sur-
rounding that illustrious one, smitten with excess of sorrow
and weeping bitterly and pileously, holding the king's hands
indulged in lamentations, like forlorn ones.

SECTION LXVL

feeing the king had ascended heaven^ like unto a fire
that has cfooled, or an ocean deprived of its waters, or the
sun shorn of his splendour, Kau^alyfi afflicted with woe,
taking on her lap the head of the king, with tears in her
eyes, said, ''O Kaikeyi, attain thou thy wishes : do thou
enjoy this kingdom rid of thy thorn. O cruel one, O thou
of wicked wajrs, thou that forsaking the king had set thy
heart (on having thy son crowned), R§ma had gone away,
forsaking me ; and now my lord has ascended heaven. I can
bo longer bear to live, like one left lone in a wilderness by
het companions. What other woman except Kaikeyi lost

376 RAMA VAN a:

to righteousness, having lost her deity, her lord, wishei
to carry on existence in another's kini^dom ? As a covetuons
person takingr poison (through anger or some other passion),
does not consider himself guilty, (so Kaikeyi) having done
this evil through MantharSl's incitement, does not bring her
guilt home to her mind. It is through the instrumentality of
the hump-backed woman that this race of the RSLghavas has
been destroyed by Kaikeyi. Hearing that the king being
made to do an unrighteous action, has banished Rftna
together with his wife, king Janaka will be filled with grief
as I have been. That virtuous one does not know that to-day
I have become helpless and been widowed. RSma of eyes
resembling lotus-petals has living been removed from
my sight. The fair daughter of Videha's king unworthy of
hardship, in ascetic guise is leading a life of trouble and
terror in the woods. Hearing at night the dreadful roars
of birds and beasts crying, she exceedingly frightened takes
shelter with Raghava. Old and- having an only daughter,
he revolving in his mind thoughts of Vaidehi, shall, smitten
with grief, surely renounce his life. I ever faithful to my
lord will die this very day, embracing this body ; I will enter
fire/' As embracing the (dead) body, that unfortunate
lady was bewailing, the courtiers had the distressed (queen)
removed from there. Then placing the corpse of the king
in a (capacious) pan with oil, the courtiers performed the
mourning rites of the monarch. But well versed in cvciy
thing, the counsellors, in the absence of his son, did not
perform the funeral obsequies of the king ; and therefore
they placed his body stretched in the pan of oil. Alas 1
at length concluding it for certain that the king waft
dead, the ladies burst out into lamentations. And raising
their arms, with tears trickling down their faces, they in
dire affliction and extremely exercised with grief, lamentedi
"O monarch, why do you forsake us, who have been already
deprived of Rdma ever speaking fair and firm in promise ?

AYODHYAKANDAM. 377

Renounced by Rama, how shall ye, rendered widows, stay
with the wicked Kaikeyi, co-wife with us ? That one of free
soul is our master, as he is the lord of yourself. RSlma has
gone to the woods, forsaking regal dignity. Deprived of
you a3 well as that hero, and overwhelmed with misfortune,
how shall we live, reprimanded by Kaikeyi ? She that has
renounced the king, RSltna, and Lakshmana along with Sit^ —
whom can such a one not renounce ?" Thus with tears in
their eyes, the wives of that descendant of Raghu, joyless
and convulsed with a huge passion, displayed signs of sorrow.
Like a night without stars, like a fair one forsaken by her
husband, the city of AyodhySL without the magnanimous
monarch did not appear delightful as it had done before,
with the populace filled with tears, the ladies uttering excla-'
■nations of distress, and the terraces and courts deserted.
On the lord of men having ascended heaven from grief, and
the wives of the king remaining on the earth, the sun, his
journey done, set, and the night began her course. The
idea of consuming the king's corpse in the absence of his
son did not recommend itself to the assembled adherents (of
the departed). Thinking this, they in that way laid the
king endowed with an inconceivably dignified presence. And
with her terraces overflowing with tears that flooded the
throats of the mourners, the city appeared like the welkin
^without its splendour in the absence of the sun, or the night
with the stars enveloped. And on the demise of that illus-
trious personage, in the city men and women in multitudes,
censuring Bharata's mother, became extremely distressed,
and did not attain peace of mind.

37S RAMA FAN A.

SECTION LXVII.

A.T length the weary night in Ayodhyft rend
cheerless by lamentations, and populous with men with i
choked with tears, was spent. And when the night
departed and the sun had arisen, those officers of the i
house-hold belonging to the twice*bom order, Mftrlcand
Maudgalya, VSLmadeva, KS9yapa, K&ty3yana, Gautamaj
the highly famous J§v2Lli. assembled together along
the counsellors, spoke each on different topics. Then fa
the royal priest, the eminent Vasistha, they said, ''That ii
that had appeared like unto an hundred years has at last I
painfully passed. The king racked by sorrow for his son ha
breathed his last, the mighty monarch has ascended hea
Rama has taken refuge in the woods, the energetic Lakshn
has gone with RiLma, and both Bharata and Satrughi
repressors of foes — are staying in Kekaya in pleasant R
griha^ the abode of their maternal grandfather. Do you S(
some one this very day from the descendants of Ikshwik
be king here. Verily doth a kingdom go to ruin, when i
out a king. He that goes garlanded with lightning, and I
mighty voice, even the Cloud— doth not with skyey sh<
drench the Earth in a kingdom without a king. In a kin|
kingdom no one sows corn. In a kingless kingdom the son (
not obey his sire, or the wife her husband. A kingless li
dom possesses no wealth, and wives are hard to keep in sv
place. This great fear attends a kingless country.
where is other morality (besides that detailed above) t
found at such a place ? In a kingless country men do
form themselves into associations, nor do they, inspired
cheerfulness, make elegant gardens or sacred edifices.
kingless country, the twice-born ones do not celebrate a
fices. In a kingless country, in mighty sacrifices wej
Br2ihmanas do not confer (on the officiating priests)

A YODHYAKANDAM, J79

^^kskinds (which they receive according to the ordinance),
n a kingless country, neither social gatherings, nor festivities
rharacterised by the presence of merry theatrical managers
md performers, increase. In a kingless country disputants
annot decide their point ; nor are persons given to hearing
^ur2lnic recitations pleased by those delighting in the
>ractice. In a kingless country, bevies of virgins decked in
(old do aot repair to gardens for purposes of sport. In a
dngless country, the wealthy are not well protected ; nor do
shepherds and cultivators sleep with their doors open. In a
dhgless couatry pleasure-seeking people do not in company
vith females go to the woods by means of swift vehicles.
Xk a kingless country long-tusked elephants sixty years
>Id| bearing bells on their necks, do not walk the high-
way. In a kingless country one hears not the clappings
>f persons engaged in shooting arrows constantly. In
I kingless country traders coming from distant lands,
oaded with various kinds of merchandise^ do not with
iafety go along the roads. In a kingless couatry tlie ascetic
vith his subdued senses, himself his sole protector, who
oakes his quarters wherever evening overtakes him, cannot
valk contemplating the Deity. In a kingless country, one
rannot protect what one has, or procure what one has not.
n a kingless country, the forces cannot bear the onslaught
if the foe. In a kingless country men cannot at will
ro on excellent and higtwnettled horses and ornamented
:ars. In a kingless country persons well versed in learning
ran not engage in controversy^ repairing to woods and groves.
[n a kingless country, persons with intent hearts do not
>fler garlands^ sweets, and Dakshin^, for worshipping the
rods. Ill a kingless country, princes smeared with sandal
ind aguru, do not look graceful like trees in spring. Even as
i river without water, a wood without grass, a herd of kine
irithout a keeper, is a kingdom without a king. The sign
if a car is its pennon, of fire is smoke, ^ and our banner

38o RAM A FA NA.

the king, has gone to heaven. In a Wingless country t
person hardly preserves his life ; and like fishes pe(^Ie eat
up one another. Even those heretics who having disregarded
the dignity of social morality had met with chastisement at
the hands of the king, their fear removed— give themselves
airs. As the sight is engaged in the welfare of the bodj»
the king — that fountain of truth and religion— is engaged
in compassing the good of the kingdom. The king is tnitlit
the king is morality, the king is the racial dignity of those
possessed of the same, the king is the father, the king is the
mother — the king compasseth the welfare of men. By viitne
of magnanimity of character, a king surpasses Yama and Vai-
yravana and Sakra and Varuna endowed with mighty strength.
If there were not a king in this world to adjudge fair
and foul, darkness would overspread (the face of the earth)
and people could not distinguish anything whatever. As the
ocean keepeth within its continent, we even while the
monarch lived, did not disregard your words. Do yoa, O
best of Br^hmanas, beholding our acts rendered nugatory,
and this empire become a wilderness for want of a king,
install that descendant of Ikshw&ku orany other as king of
this realm."

SECTION LXVNI

JlL earing their words, Vasishtha said unto the Brihmaaas
and the adherents and counsellors (of the king), ''Bharatat o^
whom the king has conferred the kingdom, along with Us
brother Satrughna, is living happily in the house of Us
maternal uncle. Let envoys by means of fleet coonert
speedily repair thither and bring those heroic brothers. What
shall we decide ?" ''Let them go" — said all unto Vasishtha*
Hearing their words, Vasishtha spake unto them, sayings—

AyODHYA KA NDAM. 38 1

"Come here, thou SiddhSrtha, and Vijaya, and Jayanta,
and A9okanandana. Do ye hear. I will tell you what ye
are to do. First going speedily to the royal residence by
means of swift houses, do you, renouncing grief, by my order
speak these words of mine unto Bharata, 'The priest as well
as the counsellors have enquired after your welfare. Do you
at once set out. A business is at hand that brooketh no
delay on your part.' But ye must on no account commu-
nicate unto him the exile of Rama, or the demise of the
monarch, or the destruction that hath befallen the Raghu race
through this occasion. Do ye, speedily taking silk apparel
and excellent ornaments for king Bharata, set off." There-
upon, having been furnished with the necessaries for the
journey, they bound for Kekaya went to their respective
abodes, mounted on goodly horses. Then having supplied
themselves with the necessaries of the journey, the envoys in
consonance with Vasistha's injunction, speedily went away.
Having proceeded by the west of Aparatala, they in the middle
crossed the MSllini, and went towards the north of Pralamva.
Then crossing the GangcL at H§stinapura, and arriving at
P&nch&la, they proceeded west ward through KurujSlngala.
And beholding wdkery expanses filled with blown blossoms,
and rivers containing pellucid waters, the envoys proceeded
apace on account of the errand they had on hand. And
they darted past the Saradanda overflowing with delight-
ful water, beautiful, and haunted by fowls of various kinds.
Then on the western bank of the stream, coming upon a
tree called Satyapay&chana presided by a deity, and
bowing down unto the tree and going round it, they
entered the city of Kulinga. And having passed Teyobi-
bhabana and arrived at Abhik&la, they crossed the
sacred stream Ikshumati belonging to the Ikshw&kus for
generations. Beholding here BrSihmanas versed in the
Vedas drinking water with their joined hands, they went
through VShllika towards the mount Sud&mUn. There seeing

382 RAM AY AN A. •

the foot-print of Vishnu, they, desirous of doing the bidding
of their master, proceeded a long way, viewing the Viplfi
and the Salmali and rivers and tanks and pools and ponds
and sheets of water and various kinds of lions and tigers
and deer and elephants. And with their vehicles fatigued^ the
ambassadors, on account of the great distance of the wa^i
speedily reached that best of cities, Girivraja. And for
pleasing their master, for the preservation of the people, and
enabling Bharata to assume the reins of government, those
envoys, casting aside negligence, swiftly entered the city in
the night.

SECTION LXIX.

X he very same night that the envoys entered the city,
Bharata saw an evil dream. And seeing that evil dream
during the short hours, the son of that king of kings exceed-
ingly burned in grief. And finding him aggrieved, his sweet
speeched associates, endeavouring to chase the heaviness,
began to converse on a variety of subjects. Some played
on instruments ; some for the purpose of pacifying his mind,
danced (the courtezans) ; others performed scenes variously
fraught with the sentiment of mirth. But although his
friends intending to allay his agitation set about enacting
passages calculated to amuse family circles, that magnani*
mous descendant of Raghu did not indulge in lau^ter*
Then a dear friend addressed Bharata, as he sat surrounded
by his friends, "Surrounded by your friends, why do yon
not, my friend, join in the mirth ?" Thus asked by his friend,
Bharata answered, ''Listen why this depression has overtaken
me. In a dream I beheld my father, pale, with his hair loosely
flowing about, plunging from the summit of a mountain
into a dirty pool filled with cow-dung. And I saw hioi

A rODHVAKANDAM. 383

floating on a sink of cow-dung, and yet with a momentary
laugh drinking oil by means of his joined hands. Then
feeding on rice mixed with sessame^ he again and again
hanging his head down, dives into oil with his limbs rubbed
ivith oil. And in my dream I saw the ocean dried up, and
the moon fallen on the earth, and the earth as if invaded
by enfolding darkness, and the tusk of the elephant on which
the monarch rides falling in fragments, and flaming fire
suddenly extinguished, and the earth rent, and the trees
withered, and all the mountains befching smoke. . And
I saw the king seated on a sable seat of iron, clad in a sable
garb ; and women black and yellow beating him. And
bearing a garland of red flowers, with his body daubed with
red sandal, he was fast proceeding to the south in a car
yoked with asses. And women clad in red garment were
laughing at him, and a grim-visaged Rakshasa was seen by
me as dragging him. This was the dream that I saw this
terrible night. Either I, or Rlma, or the king, or Lakshmana
is to breathe our last. The smoke of the funeral pyre of
him will be shortly visible that goes in the car yoked with
asses. It is for this reason that 1 am poor of spirit, and
that I do not respond to your words. Further, my throat
is parched, and my mind ill at ease. Ground of fear find I
none, yet am I subject to fear. My voice is untuned, and
my grace fled, and I begin to despise my life, nor know I the
reason why. Bringing to mind this various-looking dream
which I had not thought of before, and remembering the
king of incomprehensible presence, this fear goeth not from
my heart."

384 RAM AY AN A.

SECTION LXX.

xJharata was speaking thus when the envoys with their
vehicles fatigued, entered the splendid royal residence sur-
rounded by a strong rampart. Presenting themselves before
the king, they, well received by him as well as the priiM;^
bowed down unto the feet of the monarch. Then they
addressed Bharata, saying,— "The priest and the counsellors
have enquired aftef* your welfare. Do you set out speedily.
A business is on hand that brooketh no delay on your part
And, O you of expansive eyes, do you take these costly
raiments and ornaments, and present them unto your mater>
nal uncle and grand-father. Twenty Kotis are intended
for the king and complete ten for your maternal undci O son
of the monarch." Taking all these, Bharata attached to his
relatives, made the articles over unto them ; and receiving
the envoys with goodly gifts, spoke unto themi ''Is my
father, king Da9aratha, well? And is it well with RJLma
and the high-souled Lakshmana? And is the mother
of the intelligent Rima, the revered Kau^al^, convers-
ant with virtue and ever practising it, well? Is the virtu*
ous Sumitr^ — mother of Lakshmana and of the heroic
Satrughna — well ? And that wrathful one ever intent
on her interest and setting immense store by her wis*
dom, my mother Kaikeyi — ^is it also well with her ?" Thus
addressed by the magnanimous Bharata, the envoys spoke
unto him these humble and brief words, TThose of
whose welfare you are enquiring after, are, O foremost of
men, all well. Sree seated on the lotus asks for jroo.
Let your car be yoked.'' Thus addressed, Bharata said unto
the envoys, "Let me tell the king that the envoys are urging
speed on me.'* Having said this, that son of the kin^
Bharata, communicated unto his maternal grand-father what
the envoys had told him. "Asked by the envoys, I shall, O

A rODHFA KA NDAM. 385

monarch, go to my father. I shall come again whenever
you will remember me." Thus accosted by Bharata, his
maternal grand-father, the king, smelling Bharata's head,
spoke these auspicious words unto that descendant of
Raghu, "Go, my child ; I permit thee. Kaikeyi is mother
of a worthy son through thee. Do thou, O subduer of foes,
communicate our welfare unto both thy father and thy
mother. Do thou likewise communicate the same unto the
priest and the other principal BrSlhmanas ; as also, my child,
unto those mighty bowmen, the brothers Rima and Laksh-
mana." Then honoring Bharata, king Kekaya conferred
on Bharata wealth consisting of choice elephants main-
tained (at the palace) and woolen sheets and deerskins.
And the king presented him with dogs brought up
in the inner apartment, resembling tigers in strength and
prowess, furnished with teeth representing weapons, and
large of body. And honoring the son of Kaikeyi, Kekaya
gave him two thousand nishkas and six hundred horses.
And for following Bharata, A^wapati without delay
assigned a number of goodly, trustworthy, and quali-
fied courtiers. And Bharata's maternal uncle conferred
on Bharata wealth in the shape of graceful elephants sprung
in the IrSLvat mountain and the country called Indra9ira ; as
well as fleet and well-broken horses. But owing to the
hurry of his departure, Bharata the son of Kaikeyi did not
appear to be so very much gratified with the gifts . Owing to
his having seen the ^ dream and the post haste speed of the
envoys, a mighty anxiety was present in his heart. Then
issuing from his abode, that one possessed of exceeding grace
passed the goodly thoroughfare thronged with men, horses,
and elephants. Having left it behind, Bharata saw (before
him) the inner apartment (of the king) ; and thereupon the
handsome Bharata entered it without let. Then after
speaking with bis maternal grandfather and uncle, Yudh§jit,
Bharata ascending a car, set out with Satrughna. Thereat
49

386 RAM A FAN A.

servants by means of an hundred cars, furnished with
circular wheels, and yoked with camels, ozeni horses, and
asses, followed Bharata. Protected by the forces and the
courtiers of his material grandfather dear unto him like
his ownself, the magnanimous Bharata who had bis foes
removed, taking with him his brother, Satrughna, departed
from the abode (of the king>, like a Siddha issuing fron
the regions of Indra.

SECTION LXXI.

Xssuing from the palace, the blazing Bharata endowed
with prowess went in an easterly direction, and seeing before
him the river called SudSkma, crossed it. Then the auspicious
descendant of Ikshw&ku crossed the broad Hrftdini coursing
westwards, as also the river Satadni. Then crossing a rirer
at EHadh^na,^ and coming to Aparaparvata,t he crossed the
SilSi]: and the Akurvati, and arrived at Ag^eyaf and Saljakar^
shanam. And having purified himself and seen SiUlTaU||,
that one of truthful purposes passed the Mah&cailas,^ and
entered the forest of Chaitraratha. Then coming upon the
confluence of the GangSl and the Saraswati, Bharata entered
the forest of VSrundalyingto the north** of VirSmatsya. Next

* Some read Eladh&ni. — T.

t Some read Apharaparyat^.

X The river, according to some, is so named because it timnsforais Ike
surrounding objects to stone. — T.

$ Some make Agneya an epithet to Salyakarshaoa, UManiaf , vshUisg IS
the south-east. — T.

J According to Tirtha. Sil&vahci is a stream having Agneya oo ons ridi
and Salyakarshana on the other. — T.

% Lit., mighty mountains. — T.

♦• 6^^/araw, /iV. north. Some text* read uttardn. It woald
lying to the north ol VirAnutsya. — T.

Jl rODNVA KA NDAM 387

t>ftsing the rdpid fiver KulingSl and the HrSdini surrounded
J htllsi as v^ell as the Yamunt, he ordered the forces to-
lit. Then cooling the lintbd of the fatigued horses (with
Eiter) and refreshing thenv, Bharata himself bathed there and
aak of the Water; and then resumed the march, furnished
ith the waten Then the gentle prince by means of an
[celleot car, like unto the wind-god himself, entered the
ighty forest inhabited by various races of men. Seeing
at the mighty river Gangft was hard to cross at An9udhana,
harata speedily went to the famous city of Prdgvata. And
iving crossed the Gangi at PrSLgvatai he went over to the .
utikoshtikft. Having with his forces crossed that river,.
\ proceeded to Dharmavarddhana. Then proceeding by
le south of Torana, he came to Jamvuprastha. Then»
a^ataitha's son went to the beautiful village of Varutha^
aviog for a while stayed at that romantic wood> he proceed-
1 eastwards, and presented himself at the villa of
j}ih&yana, where abound trees (called) Priyaka. Coming to
le Priyakas, Bharata speedily yoking the horses, set out
ithout delay, issuing his orders to the forces. Then sojourn-
g at Sarvatirtha and crossing the river there flowing north-
urds as well as others abounding in various kinds of
ountainous horses, Bharata arrived at Hastiprishthaka.
nd at Lohitya that foremost of men crossed the Kapivati,
Ehasala, the Sthftnumati, and at Vinaya, the Gomati. And
harata arriving at a forest of S31a trees in the city of
alinga, speedily passed it with his forces way-worn. And
iviog passed the forest swiftly over nighty he at sunrise
LW Ayodhyft built by king Manu. Having spent seven
gbts on the journey, that chief of men beheld Ayodhya
rfDre him and thus addressed the charioteer, "O charioteer,
om the distance Ayodhyl seemeth like a mass of black
irtb, albeit she boasts of sacrificial priests crowned with every
rtuc^ Brfthmanas versed in the Vedas and opulent people,
id ialbeit she is maintained by Rijarshis. Formerly one could

388 RAMAFANA.

bear a great and mighty tumult all round AyodhySL proceedinjp
from men and women ; but I do not hear this to-day- The
gardens wherefrom persons having sported in the eveniDg
used to rush out (at day break) wear a different aspect now.
Forsaken by the pleasure-seekers, the gardens appear to
weep. And, O charioteer, the city appears to me like a
wilderness. And I do not as formerly behold the flower of
the city leaving or entering her on cars or elephants or
horses. Gardens which, frequented by people inebriated
with the honey of love, met together for purposes of sporti
looked charmingly blooming, I find as utterly void of cheer-
fulness, with the trees as if lamenting with tremulous leaves.
Still do I not hear the inarticulate though sweet and deliciooi
voice of beasts and birds crying in chorus.* Why, as before»
doth not the blamelessf and bland wind blow mixed with (the
perfume of sandal and faint with dhupa ? And why, ^;aini
have the sounds of Vinas and Mridangas developed by beatin(f
sticks, which continually flew in a never-ceasing vigorous
course, ceased to-day ? And I witness various evil, unsightly,
and unpleasant]: omens, and hence my mind is depressed. O
charioteer, complete good fortune with my friends is hardly
to be realised. Bui although no apparent cause exists for
my depression of spirits, yet my heart droopeth." Then
Bharata depressed and cast down and with his senses afHicted,
speedily entered the city ruled by IkshwSLku. And Bfatrata
having his vehicles fatigued, entered by the Vaijayantaf gate»
and went on, followed by the gate-keepers, who enquired
after his welfare. Then courteously telling the warden to
desist, he with an agitated heart spoke unto the tired chariol-

• Some texts read mukus — momentarily.

t Some texts read atula in place of amala^^incomparaUe,

X The commentator renders amognani, inaus^'cious, I venture to
from him. — T.

% Vaijayanfnm. Another meaning is, By the gaU resembling thai af indm^
palace. — T. .

A YODHVAKA NBA M. 389

cer of A^wapati, "O sinless one, why have I been brought
in this haste without any (adequate) reason ? My heart
apprehendeth some evil ; and my disposition gives way. O
charioteer, I see around me all those signs which I had heard
told as occurring on the occasion of the deaths of monarchs.
I behold the houses of the citizens unswept and unsightly
with the doors flung open, — and destitute of grace, without
sacrifices and other religious ceremonies, without the incense
of dhupa^ the citizens fasting, and the people appearing
with faded countenances, displaying no flags, etc.. The abodes
of the deities are not decorated with garlands, and their
courts are unclean ; and remaining vacant, they look no longer
beautiful as formerly. And the images are not worshipped ;
and the places of sacrifice are in a like condition. And
garlands are not displayed in the shops where they are sold.
And traders looking anxious, with their business stopped,
do not look as before. And in temples and Chaityas birds
and beasts appear dispirited. And in the city I behold men
and women pale and woe-begone and emaciated and anxious,
with tears filling their eyes.*' Having said this unto the
charioteer, Bharata, beholding these inauspicious sights,
entered the palace of the king with a depressed heart.
Beholding the city resembling the city of Indra, with her
crossings and houses and roads void of people, and the
doors and hinges covered with dust, Bharata was filled with
greater grief. And witnessing many unpleasant things
which he had never seen during the life of the monarch, that
high-souled one entered the mansion of his father, bending
his head, depressed in spirits, and with his mind extremely
aggrieved.

390 RAM AY AN A.

SECTION LXXII

iM ot having seen his father in his father's quarters,*
Bharata went to his mother's apartment for seeing her. On
seeing her son before her after his sojourn from home^
Kaikeyi delighted, rose up from her golde.n seat On entering
his own quarter which he found deprived of grace, the vir-
tuous Bharata took hold of his mother's auspicious feet. Then
smelling the crown of his head and embracing him and taking
that illustrious one on her lap, Kaikeyi addressed hint
saying, ''How many days hence did you leave the residence
of the revered one ? Hast thou felt any fatigue on the mj
incident to the car proceeding swiftly ? And is the revered
one well, and thy maternal uncle, YudhSL jit? And, noiy sooy
hast thou passed thy time pleasantly during thy sojoiini?
It behoves thee to tell me all this." Thus asked, that sot
of the king, Bharata, furnished with eyes resembling lotuses
told his mother that all was well. ''Seven nights hence I
took leave of that revered one's residence. My mother's
sire is well, as also my maternal uncle, YudhSjit. My vehicles
had got tired in consequence of bearing the wealth and
jewels which that subduer of foes, the king, had bestowed oa
me. And it is for this reason that I have come in advanos
of them. Urged by the royal emissaries, I have come here
so swiftly. But it behoves my mother to tell me what I
wish to ask. This sleeping bedstead of yours adorned with
gold is empty. I do not see the race of Ikshwftku in their
usual good spirits. The king generally remains in this apart-
ment of my mother. But coming here with the desire of

* The text is evidently corrupt. From the sequel it appears that Bhanla
not seen the \C\n% at that time. The commentator, however, paiiei owtlt
point in silence, which is to be accounted for by the slovenliness off tlM
of thought characterizing the Sanskrit commentators in general. Aa
commentator would have considered the matter as of very great
but his Hindu brother takes it quietly, and passes on with indiffei«noe.<--T.

A YODHYA KA NDA M. 35 1

seeing him, I do not today find him at this place. I would
take the feet of my father. Do you tell me who ask you.
Is he in the apartment of my eldest mother, Kau^alySL ?"
Blinded by the lust of dominion, and looking upon that as
desirable (unto Bharata) which was exceedingly disagreeable
(to him), Kaikeyi replied unto him, who did not know what
bad transpired, **That high-souled and energetic one ever
engaged in sacrifice— the refuge of the good — thy father, the
king, has come by the state which pertains to all creatures."
Hearing these words, Bharata of pure ways sprung from a
righteous race, smit with the vehemence of sorrow on account
of his father, suddenly fell down to the earth. And exclaiming
in the anguish of spirit and in the excess of grief, the words,
*'Ah me ! I am undone !" that mighty-armed one endowed with
prowess, fell down,tossing about his arn>s. Then, overwhelm-
ed with sorrow and distressed at the death of his father,
that highly energetic one, with his senses distracted, indulged
in lamentations, "This bed of my father used to look like
the speckless welkin at night crowned with the moon, after
the cioods have gone off. But to-day, deprived of that
iatetl^eiyt one, it ceases to shine, like the firmament without
the moon or the sea devoid of its waters." Exclaiming
trith tears trickling down, that foremost of victorious ones,
extremely afiKcted at heart, wept, muffling his graceful
countenance. Seeing that one resembling a celestial fallen
to the earth, striken with sorrow, like unto a bough of the
S&la that had been severed in the wood by an axe, hrs
mother raising up his distressed son like a mad elephant or
the sun or the moon, addressed him, "Arise, arise. Why dost
thou lie down, O illustrious son of the king ? Persons like
thee having their senses under perfect control, and approved
by men of culture, do not grieve. O thou endowed with
understanding, like the halo of the Sun in the solar disc,

thy sense, entitled to dispensing gifts and celebrating
sacrifices, ever follows morals, the Sruii, and asceticism.'*

392 RAMAVANA.

Having wept for a long while with his body rolling on the
earth, Bharata.. afflicted with manifold grief, answered his
mother, saying, '^ The king will install RSma and celebrate i
sacrifice' concluding this for certain, I had joyfully gone from
hence. But it has fallen out otherwise. That I do not behold
my father ever engaged in the dear welfare (of his subjects)
cleaves my heart, mother. Of what ailment hath the king
breathed his last during my absence ? Blessed are Rlmi
and others who have personally performed my sire's last rites.
Surely the renowned monarch doth not know that I have
come. (If he had done so), pressing down my head, my
father would at once have smelt it. Where is now the
soft hand of that energetic one which used to rub my penofl
when it was covered with dust? Do you now without
delay convey the news of my arrival unto the vigoroos
Rama^ who is at once my father, brother and friend, and
whose beloved servant I am. The eldest brother of one that
is noble and cognisant of morality, becomes his father.
I shall take hold of his feet : he is now my refuge. And, 0
noble lady, what did that virtuous one cognizant of virtue,
that pre-eminently pious one, firm in his vow, and having
truth for prowess — even my father, say ? I wish to hear news
concerning us relative to the last moments of the monarch.«
Thus asked, Kaikeyi related all as it had happened, sayiog,
"Bewailing 'Ah RSma !' 'Ah SitSL !' 'Ah Lakshmanal' that
magnanimous one, the foremost of those that have attained
to excellent state (after death), has gone to the next worid
coming under the law of time. Thy father like a mightf
elephant fast bound with a cord, said unto me these word!
during his last moments, — 'Blessed are they that shall see
Rama and the mighty-armed Lakshmana returned along widi
Sita.' " Hearing this, Bharata apprehending a second misfor*
tune was deeply moved ; and with a sad countenance, he
again asked his mother, "Where hath gone that righteoos*
souled one, the cnchanccr of Kau9aly&*s joy, along wkb

ArODHFAKANDAM. 393

^kshmana and Sitft ?'' T4ius' questioned, his mother at the
ame time duly said in \yor4s. which although highly unwel-
ome, she took as agreeable to Bharata, "O son, that son of the
ing wearing bark has repaired fo the forest of Dandaka,
long with Vaidehi and fgllowed by Lakshmana." Hear-
ng this, Bharata apprehending some> moral lapse on the
art of his brother from the dignity of his race, asked in
gitation, ''Has RSma deprived any Br§hmana of his wealth 7
)r has he wronged any innocent person, whether rich or
loor? Has the fancy of the prince gone after the wife of
nother? For what reason hath brother R^ma been
anished ?" Thereat his volatile mother, influenced by her
^minine nature, related faithfully unto him her own doings.
'has asked by the magnanimous Bharata, Kaikeyi vainly
luming herself on her wisdom, joyfully said, ''R5ma
as deprived no Br^hmana of his property, nor hath any
inocent person rich or otherwise been wronged by him, —
or doth he ever with his eyes look at the wife of another.
\ son, as soon as I heard of Ramans (coming) installa-
on, I asked for the kingdom to be conferred on thee,
nd R^ma to be banished. Thereupon, he, staying by his
romise, did accordingly : Rama hath been banished along
ith Sumitr^'s son and Sita.' Not seeing his beloved son,
16 illustrious hDrd of earth, stricken by grief on his account,
as breathed his last. Do thou now, O thou cognizant of
uty, take charge of the kingdom. I have done all this in
ly interests. Do not give way to sorrow. O son, assume
atience. This city is subject to thee, as well as this
eaceful kingdom. Having with the help of the principal
Irfihmanas headed by Vasrshtha, duly performed the funeral
bsequies of the king, do thou, without suffering thy energy
) depart, install thyself in the kingdom." ^

394 R AM A r ANA.

8ECTION LXXIM.

JiLearing of his father's death and the exile of hit
brothers, Bbarata burning in gricfi said these words, "DiepriT'
ed of my father as weH as my brother like unto a ffttheri
what shall I bewailing them and undone by thee do with the
kingdom ? Thou, like one throwing alkali on a 9orei hastf
by bringing about the death of the king and making Rina
an ascetic, heaped grief on grief. Thou hast come like
the fatal night for the destruction of this race. Not under^
standing it, my father embraced live coal. O thou that hast
thy gaze fixed on sin, it is through thee that my sorereigD
has come by death ; and that, O stainer of the lin^ this race
has by thy infatuation been deprived oi its happinesa^ Hav*
ing got thee, my illustrious sire intent upon truth, king
Da9aratha, afflicted by extreme sorrow, has departed this
life. Why hath the king, my father, ever loving virtue, been
deprived of life ? Why hath Rftma been banished ; and
wherefore hath he gone to the woods ? AflKcted with grief
for their son, even if Kau^alyS and Sumitrft live, it will bt
hard for them to do so in the presence of thee, my mother.
Surely the noble and virtuous RSma, well knowing his doties
towards his superiors, regards thee as highly as he doth his
own mother. In the same way, my eklest mother, the
far-sighted Kau^alyS, doing her duties by thee,
herself like a sister. Why, O sinful one, having
to the woods her magnanimous son, clad in bark,
. thou not grieve ? Having exiled the famous and heroic
R^ma seeing no sin, clad in bark, what benefit
thou perceive as thine ? I deem that thou didst not
how very highly I regarded R&ghava ; and therefore it is
that thou hast brought this mighty calamity. Not sedi^
those chiefs o( men, R&ma and Lakshmana, by virtue of
whose energy can I venture to rule the kingdom? The

ATODHFAKANDAM. 395

arch was ever protected by that powerful one possessed
lighty energy, as Meru is protected by its forest. Like a
burdened with a load capable of being borne by a
ity ox, by what energy shall I bear this burthen which was
le by. an exceedingly strong person ? And even if this
igth be mine through yoga or vigor of intellect, I will
crown with success the hopes of thee, proud of thy son.
, had Rlma not always regarded thee as his mother,
Id I hesitate to renounce thee, whose heart hath been
on sin. O thou that viewest unrighteousness, O thou

hast fallen off from the way of the good, how could

I thoughts unworthy of our line, arise in thy mind ? In

race, the eldest brother of all is installed in the kingdom :

other brothers remain under him. O fell one, thou dost

I think, know the morality of kings, or the consequence

attends its faithful observance. Of all the princes, the
st is always installed as the king. Even this is the accept-
irinciple of all sovereigns — specially the descendants of
iw&ku. But to-day the pride of character of those whose
le was their sole concern,* and who shone in the
acter of their line, has been humbled through thy
rumentality. And how, O highly exalted lady, O thou that
t born in a royal race, could such reprehensible fatuity take
session of thy senses ? But, O thou bent upon sin, I will
no means fulfil the wish of thee by whom hath been
ight in the first instance this calamity calculated to end
^istence. Further, O sinless one, I will do this at present
isplease thee : I will bring from the forest my brother
r unto his relatives. And having brought back R§ma,
U in a perfectly contented spirit, become the slave of
one of flaming energy." The high-souled Bharata afflict-
his mother) with multitudes of words causing pain ; and
-essed with grief, emitted sounds like unto a lion in the
t of Mandara.

Aaotber interpretation is \^Whos9 virtu€ is tMr sole ^ro(ectar,^T,

. 1

?9^ HAMAYANA,

SECTION LXXlV.

Xlaving thus reproved his mother in great wrath, Bharata
said again, "Do thou bear thyself from this kingdom, O heart-
less and wicked Kaikeyi. Having been lost to righteousnesSi
do not thou lament me dead. What qualities of thine were
taxed by the king or the exceedingly virtuous RSma, that
both of them simultaneously have come by death and exile
respectively through thy agency ? O Kaikeyi, thou hast been
guilty of homicide in consequence of the destruction of this
race. Do thou go to hell, never to the world attained by my
{J}:, ^r ; since, renouncing RSLma dear unto all, thou hast
committed this sin by thy grim act and brought me into
fear. Through thee hath my father met with his end, and
Rama hath taken refuge in the woods ; and it is through
thee that I have come to ignominy among all creatures. O thou
enemy of mine in the guise of a mother ! O fell one ! O thou
that covetest the kingdom { do thou not speak to me, 0
wicked wretch ! O slayer of thy husband ! it is because of
thee, stainer of thy race, that Kau^alyft, Sumitrft, and other
mothers of mine have been overwhelmed with a mighty
sorrow. Thou art never the daughter of the pious and
intelligent A^wapati, thou art a Rlkshasi born in that race,
thou that hast destroyed my father's race, inasmuch as the
virtuous and heroic Rlma ever observing truth hath been sent
to the woods and my father hath ascended heaven through
thy agency ; inasmuch as thou that hast perpetrated this
arch offence, ha^t laid this sin on me, who have been
forsaken by my sire, renounced by my brothers, and come
by universal disfavor. O thou of sinful ways, having separ-
ated the virtuous Kau^alyS (from her son), what world, O
thou that repaircst to hell, shall be thy portion 7 Dost thou
not, O tortuous one, know that that one sprung from
Ku^nlya's, self, my eldest brother RSma, who is like a

• -

AYODHYAKANDAM, 397

father unto me, has ever been the refuge of his friends ? A
son born from all the limbs of his mother, comes out from
her heart ; and therefore it is that he is far dearer unto his
mother, albeit her friends are dear to her*. Once on a time, it
is related by persons cognizant of morality, Surabhi regarded
by the celestials, beheld two of her sons toiling on earth and
seeming to be deprived of their senses. And, when the day
had been half spent, seeing her sons fatigued on earth, she
stricken with grief for them, began to weep with tears
flooding her eyes. And it came to {5ass that as the magnani-
mous sovctreign of the celestials was passing below, her fine
and fragrant tear-drops fell on his person. Turning his eyes
up^ Sakra found Surabhi stationed in the sky, distressed and
weeping in extreme anguish of spirit. Seeing that illustrious
one burning in grief, the wielder of the thunder-bolt, Indra
the lord of the celestials, waxing anxious, with joined hands
said, 'Is there any great danger in any quarter? Do thou,
O thou that art intent on the welfare of all, say, whence is
this grief of thine ?' Thus addressed by the intelligent king of
the celestials, that one well skilled in speech, the sedate Surabhi
answered, 'Auspiciousness^ O lord of celestials I No sin is
yours. But I mourn my sons fallen into evil plight, having
seen them lean, distressed, and burnt by the rays of the sun —
Valivarddhas afflicted by the wicked-minded ploughman.
Seeing those that have been born of my body, cast down and
in trouble, I grieve : there is none that is dear like unto a son.'
Seeing her the whole earth is filled with whose sons by thou-
sands, weeping, Indra understood that none is an object of
greater affection than a son. And that lord, Indra, also consi-
dered Surabhi of a person breathing a sacred odour, whose
tears had dropped on his body, as the foremost being on
earth. Even that one yeilding whatever is asked, auspicious.

• Angapratyangaja I lit.^ horn from the limbs principal and minor. The
oommentator recounts the face, the breast, the abdomen, the hands and the
feet as constituting the former ; and eyes, fingers, &c., as the latter.

398 RAJUAFANA.

crowned with the choicest virtues, although having all natural
functions, showing equal kindness unto all, and of unequalled
character, who maintaineth all creatures, she who hath a thou-
sand sons, grieves (for her sons). How can then Kau^alyi
carry on existence without R&ma ? Chaste and having an only
son, that lady has through thee been separated from her S00|
(like a cow separated from her calf). For this, thou wilt always
have to suffer misery alike in this world and the next I shall
for my part completely minister unto my brother and father;
and shall, without doubt, increase my fame. Bringing hither
the mighty-armed lord of Ko^ala endowed with immense
strength, I myself will repair to the forest inhabited by asce*
tics. O thou that hast delivered thyself over to iniquityi I»
looked at by the citizens with their throats oppressed with
the vapour of grief, cannot bear this (burden of) sin heaped
on me by thee. Do thou enter fire, or dive into Dan-
daka, or wound a cord round thy neck : other desirable way
there is none for thee. On R&ma having truth for prowesSi
obtaining the earth, I, my disgrace removed, shall be blest.''
Grieving thus, Bharata, like an elephant in the forest afflicted
with a tomara or ankusa^* fell to the earth sighing like an
enraged snake. With his eyes reddened, and bis cloth
falling off, and his ornaments cast away, that subduer of
foes, the king's son fallen on the earth, resembled a baoDcf
of Sakra after the festival is over.

SECTION LXXV.

xLrising after a long while when he had regained his com*
ciousness, Bharata endowed with prowess, regarding hit
distressed mother with eyes filled with tears, began to tas her

* Names o( instrumentt.

A rODHVA KANDA M 399

in the midst of the courtiers : '*I had never desired the king-
dom. I had never consulted my mother. Nor did I know
the installation that had been thought of by the monarch. I
was then living in a far country in company with Satrughna.
I did not know the banishment of the magnanimous Rama to
the woods, or the exile of Sumitr^'s son ; nor did I know how
Sitft came to be banished.'' As the high-souled Bharata was
thus wailing, Kau9aly& recognizing his voice spoke unto
SumitrS, *'Come is Bharata, the son of that one of crooked
ways. I am desirous of seeing the far-sighted Bharata.''
Having said this unto Sumitra, that one emaciated and with
a pallid countenance, trembling and almost deprived of sensa-
tion, went to where Bharata was. And it came to pass that
the king*s son, Bharata, along with Satrughna had just then
by the way that led to the same, been proceeding to
Kaucalyft*s quarter. Then Satrughna and Bharata seeing
the aggrieved Kau9aly^, embraced the stricken and fallen
lady wellnigh deprived of her senses. Thereupon, weep-
ing from grief, the noble and intelligent KaucalySL exceeding-
ly afflicted, embracing them as they indulged in sorrow,
said unto Bharata, 'Thus hast thou, that hadst desired the
kingdom, received it rid of its thorn. Alas ! it has been
speedily obtained through the crooked act of Kaikeyi. What
is the good that is perceived by Kaikeyi of tortuous sight
in sending away my son clad in bark to the woods ? It
behoveth Kaikeyi to send me also speedily to where is stay-
ing my illustrious son furnished with a gold-gleaming navel.
Or first performing the fire-sacrifice, I followed by SumitrS,
will myself happily seek the way by which RSghava (has
gone to the woods). Or it behoveth thee to thyself bring
me unto the place where that foremost of men, my son, is
performing austerities. This spacious kingdom abounding
in corn and wealth, and filled with elephants^ horses, and
cars, is thine, having been conferred on thee (by Kaikeyi).'*
Thus reproached by many a harsh word, the sinless Bharata

400 Ram AV ANA.

felt exceeding pain like unto that produced by pricking
a sore with a needle. Exceedingly agitated, he fell at
Kau^alySL's feet, lamenting much, and well nigh deprived of
his senses. Bharata then regained his consciousness, and
with joined hands answered Kau9aly& lamenting thus and
overcome with excess of sorrow, saying,— "O noble lady,
what for dost thou censure me who am without sin and who
know nothing of this ? Thou knowest that profuse is my
delight in R§ghava. May the sense of him never follow
scripture, that had approved the exile into the woods of that
foremost of the good, the noble R&ma intent on truth 1 May
such a person as had approved the exile unto the woods
of the noble one undergo servitude at the hands of the
sinful, answer the calls of nature facing the Sun, and kick a
sleeping cow with his feet ! May he that had approved the
exile of the noble one into the woods come by the sin that is
reaped by a master who withholds salary from servants after
the ceremony is over ! May that one that had approved the
exile of the noble Rima to the woods, be guilty of the sin
that is his that injures a sovereign engaged in ruling his
subjects like sons ! May the person that had approved the
exile of the noble one to the woods, reap the sin of his that
having taken a sixth part of their incomes, does not protect
his subjects! May he that had approved the exile of the
noble one to the woods, come by the demerit that is his that
denies Dakshtnis unto ascetics in a sacrifice, after having
promised them the same ! May he that had approved the eailc
into the woods of the noble one, never discharge the dntj
of the good in the field thronged with elephants and horses and
cars, and bristling with arms ! May the wicked wight thai
had approved the exile of the noble one to the woods bring
to naught the subtle scriptural knowledge which has been
carefully taught him by his intelligent preceptor ! May thai
one that had approved the exile of the noble (RAma) to the
woods never behold the long-armrd and broad-shouldered

A YODHYA KA NDAM. 401

(Rftghava) resembling the Sun and the Moon in energy
seated (on the thrftne) ! May that one void of aversion, that
had approved of the exile of the noble one to the woods feed
on Pay&ca^ Krisara, and goat's flesh, which have not been
offered in sacrifice ; and may he insult his spiritual precept-
or ! May he that had approved the exile of the noble one
to the woods touch a cow with his feet, revile his superiors,
and injure his friends ! May that one of wicked soul that
had approved of the exile of the noble one into the
woods divulge any defects (of another's character) that
have been communicated to him in strict confidence ! May
he that had approved the exile of R&ma to the woods,
never repay any good act, be ungrateful abandoned by all, —
the object of universal execration ! May he that had ap-
proved of the exile into the woods of the noble one, eat
alone in his home^ although surrounded by sons and wives
and servitors ! May he that had approved of the exile
of the noble one, die without obtaining wives worthy of him,
without sons, without any good works performed ! May he
that had approved the exile of the noble one into the woods,
never see his own offspring, and not attaining ripe age, may
he mourn his wives ! And may he come by the sin that is
reaped by slaying a king, a woman, a boy, or an old man, or
by renouncing those who have claims on his maintenance !
May he that had approved the exile of the noble one into the
woods always feed his family with lac, honey, meat, iron, and
poison ! May that one that had approved the exile of the
noble one into the woods, while flying from the engagement
while it is waxing furious with the foe, come to be killed !
May he that had approved of the exile of the noble one into
the woods, clad in tatters with a skull in hand, like a madman
range the earth abegging ! May he that had approved the
exile of the noble one into the woods, be always addicted
to wine, to women, and to dice ; and may he be swayed
by lust, anger, &c ! May he that had approved of the

402 RAM A VAN A.

exile of that noble one into the woods, never relish
virtue, and go after unrighteousness ; artd may he shower
his wealth on the unworthy! May he that had approv-
ed the exile of the noble one into the woods, have
his various accumulated riches by thousands carried off
by robbers ! May he that had approved of the exile into
the woods of that noble one, come by the demerit that b
liis who sleepeth during both the twilights I May he reap
the sin that is reaped by an incendiary or him that lieth
witli his preceptor's wife ; or him that wrongs his friend !
May he that had approved the exile of that noble one into the
woods, never serve the gods or the manes of the ancestors
or his father and mother ! May he that had approved the
exile of that noble one into the woods, be speedily shot out
from the world of the good, from their fame, and from their
acts ! May he that had approved the exile of that long armed
and broad breasted one, renouncing the ministration of his
mother, turn his thoughts to evil ! May he that had approved
the exile of the noble one, becoming impoverished jet
having to support a large family, and suffering from feveri
be always miserable ! May he that had approved the exile
of that noble one render fruitless the hopes of poor people
cherishing them and looking up (wistfully) ! May he that had
approved the exile into the woods of the noble one remain-
ing (always) wicked, cruel and impure, leading an unrigh-
teous life and being in (continual) fear of his sovereign,
maintain himself by deceit for ever and a day !, May that
wicked person that had approved the exile into the woods
of the noble one disregard his chaste wife remaining near,
after she has performed her ablutions at the end of her
season. May his that had approved the banishment into the
woods of that noble one be the sin that is incurred by a
Brahmana that has rendered himself sonless. May that one of
befouled senses that had approved of the exile into the woods
of that noble one disturb the worship of Brihmana and

A TODHYA KA NDA M. 403

milch a cow that has a calf. May that foolish person that
had approved the exile of that noble one forsaking all plea-
sure in virtue, seek others wives, renouncing his own wedded
i^ith sacred rites ! May he that had approved the exile into
the woods of that noble one come by the sin that attaches
to a wine biber or one that administers poison to another !
May he that had approved of the exile into the woods of the
noble one bear the sin that is his that serves a thirsty soul
with deceit. May he that had approved the exile into the
woods of that noble one reap the demerit of them that from
devotion to their respective faiths wrangle from their own
pcHnts of view, as well as that of them that listen to the
disputation !" Having thus consoled Kau9a]ya bereft of
her son and husband, the prince afflicted with distress
fell down. Then Kau9alyl addressed the aggrieved
Bharata (wellnigh) deprived of his senses, swearing strong
eaths, saying "O son, it grieves me more that thou art
afflicting my heart by taking oaths. Lucky it is that
graced with auspicious marks, thou swervest not from
Tirtue. My child, for this reason thou wilt attain the
regions of pious persons. Saying this, Kaufalya over-
powered with emotion, drawing into her lap Bharata attached
to his brother, and embracing the mighty armed one, gave
way to grief. And bewailing thus, the mind of the high
souled (Bharata) wrought with sorrow, was overcome with
the burden of grief. And fallen on the ground, lamenting,
senseless, with his intellect overpowered, and momentarily
leaving sighs, Bharata passed away night in grief.

404 RAMAYANA.

SECTION LXXVL

A3 Bharata, the son of Kaikeyi was thus burning in grieff
that foremost of those skilled in speech, thcsaint Vasbhthai
endowed with excellence of language, said, "Do not weep.
good betide thee, O illustrious prince. Do thou perform the
funereal rites of the departed king.*^ Hearing Vasishtha'a
words, Bharata cognisant of duty, bowed down to the ground
and despatched the ministers for performing the last rites.
And raising from under the oil the body of the king with a
sallow countenance, and appearing to be asleep, Bharata
placed it on the ground upon a couch in front adorned with
various gems. Then overwhelmed with grief, Da^aratha's
son bewailed him thus, ''O king, what was it that thou hadtt
intended to do, I absent and away from home, by banishing
righteous R^ma and the powerful Lakshmana? Whither
wendest thou, O mighty monarch, forsaking these aggrieved
people, who have already been deprived of the lion like
RcLma energetic in action ? O father, thou having ascended
heaven and R^ma having taken refuge in the woods, who
now in this city of thine shall protect what the people possess
and secure unto them what they have not ? Widowed in
consequence of losing thee, this earth does not look graceful.
The city appeareth unto me like the night deprived of the
Moon." As Bharata was lamenting thus in dejected mood,
the mighty ascetic Vasishtha again addressed him, saying, "O
mighty armed one, do thou without indulging in any reflec-
tions, perform those funeral ceremonies of the monarch
which ought to be performed." Thereupon honoring his
words by saying, "So be it," he urged speed upon all the
Ritwigas, priests, and AchSlryas. And then those that
had brought the king's corpse outside from the fire chamber,
instructed by the Ritwigas and priests according to the
ordinance began to offer oblations into the fire. Next placing

A rODHYA KA NDA M 405

the king deprived of life on a car, the servants with their
throats oppressed with vapour and with their minds weighed
down with dejection carried him. And scattering gold and
silver and various kinds of cloth, on the way, people went in
front of the king. Others procuring sandal, aguru and other
resinous incenses, sarala^ padmaka and devaduru^ cast it
(on the earth). And drawing near the king there, Ritwigas
laid various other fragrant substances on the funeral pile.
Then offering oblations into the fire, the Ritwigas began
to recite y^/fl; and as laid down in the scriptures, S2Lma
singers chanted Samas. And by means of litters and other
conveyances, each mounted according to her rank, the
wives of the king went out from the city, surrounded
by aged men. And Ritwijas went round the corpse of
the king who performed many sacrifices leaving it on
the left side. And kindling with grief, the females also
headed by Kau^aly^ (circumambulated the pyre). And
then there was heard the wail of women distressed
with grief weeping piteously by thousands like unto
Kraunchis. Weeping again and again with their sense lost,
the wives of the king alighted from the car on the banks of
the Sarayu. Having performed the watery rites, the wives
of the monarch as well as the counsellors and priests, in
company with Bharata entering the city with tears in their
eyes, spent ten days* in mourning lying down on the
ground.

SECTION LXXVII

1^ hen the ten days had gone by, the king's son, his
uncleanness (consequent on the demise of his father)

* The Smriti lays down twelve days of mourning for kings, and sixteen for
Ksbatriyas. Parasara, however, fixes ten days for Kshatriyas in general..— T.

4o6 RAMAYANA.

removed, performed the sriddha on the twelfth day. On
the occasion of the ceremonies for the welfare of the departed
spirit, the son of the king conferred on Br&hmanas wealth
and gems, and rice in abudance, and herds of goats, and
silver in profusion, and countless kine, and maid*servants and
man-servants, and vehicles and spacious mansions. And on
the thirteenth day, the long armed Bharata, overwhelmed with
grief, burst into lamentation. And coming to the foot of the
funeral pyre for gathering the bones of the departed, he
overcome with grief, with his throat obstructed with the
sounds of lamentation, said, ''my father, on brother Rlma^
to whom I had been consigned by thee, having gone to the
forest, I have been cast by thee into vacancy. My father,
forsaking forlorn mother Kau9aly&, whose stay her son^
had gone to the forest, where hast thou gone, O king?"
And seeing the spot where lay the bones of his father mixed
with ashes and embers, Bharata looking at the place wliere
occurred the dissolution of his father's frame, carried away by
emotion, indulged in sorrow. And seeing this, he exceed*
ingly distressed, crying fell down to the ground. And raised
up (by others) he looked like an uplifted banner of Smkrm
bound to an engine. And his counsellors rushed towards
that one of pure vows, like the saints making towards Jajrafti
as he was falling on the extinction of his merit Seeing
Bharata plunged in grief, Satrughna remembering the king,
fell down to the ground deprived of consciousness. And
devoid of sense and like a madman, he in grief of heart be*
gan to lament remembering all the virtues of his father again
and again. "This terrible sea of grief owing its origin to
MantharSL, containing its ferocious aquatic animal in the
shape of Kaikeyi, and incapable of being disturbed in
consequence of the bestowal of the boon drowns (us). O
father, where hast thou gone, leaving the tender and yontli-
ful Bharata fondled by thee, to lament (thy loss). Thou didst
use to confer on us eatables and drinkables and attires

A rODHFA KA NBA M . 407

t>rnaments. Who will now do so? Deprived of thee, the
bigh souled king cognisant of duty, the earth albeit her time
of riving is come, is not yet riven. My father having gone
to heaven and R2Lma having sought the woods, how can I
live? I will enter fire. Bereft of my brother and sire, I
will not enter the empty Ayodhya governed by the Ikshwakus.
I will repair to the forest of asceticism.'' Hearing his
lamentations and seeing that disaster, all the followers
became all the more distressed. Then depressed and exhaus-
ted, both Satrughna and Bharata rolled on the earth like two
bulls with their horns fractured. Then the all-knowing
priest of thehr father possessed of sterling worth, Vasishtha,
raising Bharata, said unto him, ''O Lord this is the thirteenth
day since the cremation of thy sire. Why dost thou delay,
when thou hast to collect the bones ? Three couples* pertain
in especial to all creatures and these being inevitable, thou
ought not to bear yourself thus. And Sumantra also versed
in the nature of things, raising up Satrughna and pacifying
faim, discoursed the birth and death of all beings. Being
raised up, those renowned chiefs of men looked like Indra's
banner stained by shine and shower. And as the princes
stood there shedding tears, with reddened eyes, and speak-
ing sadly, the courtiers urged them on in behalf of the rites
that remained.

SECTION LXXVIII.

Xhen Satrughna, the younger brother of Lakshmana
spoke unto Bharata burning in grief as he was revolving in
his mind the (intended) journey (to Rama), ''Need it be said
that Rlma is the refuge both of himself and all creatures in

* Hunger and thirst, ignorance and grief, sickness and death.

4o8 RAMA FA NA.

trouble ? That R^ima possessed of strength hath been exiled
into the woods by a woman ! And powerful and having
prowess, why did not Lakshmana deliver R&ma by checking
our father ? The king bent upon following an unrighteous
course through the influence of a woman, should, the justice
or otherwise of the measure being fully weighed, at the very
outset have been checked.'' As Lakshmana's younger brother
Satrughna was speaking thus, appeared there at the door in
front the hump backed one adorned with every kind of
ornament, with her body besmeared with sandal paste,
wearing regal apparel, and variously decked out with a
variety of ornaments. And adorned with elegant cones,
and divers other superb ornaments, she looked like a female
monkey tethered with a rope. At that time seeing that
one of horrible misdeeds, (Bharata) who stood near the
door, seizing the hump backed one ruthlessly, took her unto
Satrughna, and said, ''That one through whom R&ma has
gone to the wood and our father has renounced his body
this is that wicked and remorseless one. Do thou deal with
her as thou likest." At Bharata's command Satrugfass
observing vows waxing exceedingly aggrieved, addressed
all the inmates of the inner apartment, saying, TThis one
has occasioned intense misery unto my father and brotheis
Let her now take the fruit of her fell deed." Having said
this, he furiously fell upon the hump backed one surrounded
by her maids. Thereupon she with her cries madft the
chamber resound. Concluding Satrughna fired with rage,
her associates extremely pained, fled away in all directiosi*
Then her companions in a body took counsel of each othefi
saying, "considering the way in which he has entered upoa
, it, he will annihilate us quite. Let us therefore seek tte
protection of the tender hearted generous, pious and illustfi"
ous Kau^alyS. Even she is our sure refuge. Overpowefsd
with rago, that chastiser of foes, Satrughna, dragged tli
shrieking hump hacked one to the ground. As ManthiA

»* ^

A rODHTA K4 NDAM. ^

mw -pusb^ tbts i^i^y 4nd that, her various ornainejit$ w^f e
jKAttoci^ QVier the flgor. Aad strewn with those ornapieots,
A^ CDfPffful chapjber of the pal^e looked like the autvn^na^
fiMMUCDt. Apd tha^ fiprien^ost of men possessed of strength
.hd^iog hjer, tkegan tQ repfoye Kaikeyi with harsh speech,
fjatramely hmt )>y thosce rough words, Kaikeyi terrified on
fucgiint of Sditnighnai took refuge with her son. Thereupon
#l^iaK J»i§ eyies on Satrughna, Bharata ^aid, "A woman .is
jnicap«]l>le lo^ being slain by any. Do thou therefore excqsiie
htr. I myself would have slain this wicked Kaikeyi of impious
deeds, if the righteous R&ma should not be displeased with
1^ QP account of my slaying my mother. And if RSghava
JcnQVKS tl^at the hump-backed one hath been slain, he surely
mil .9pea,k neither with thee nor me." Hearing Bharatas
fNOI^s, Safrughna, younger brother unto Lakshmana, refrained
\xQ>VX th^t wrong and set free the hump-backed woman in a
ilifpon. Th^reM> ^ghing hard in e:fceeding grief, Manthara
flmig I^ecself at Haikeyi's feet, weeping piteously. Seeing
th^ :hump.-^a^ed one deprived of her senses in consequence
4i(f tbe pusihing she had received at the hands of Satrughna,
JIhgigftta'p mother consoled that distressed woman, who
•ppe^Ped like a Kraunchi that had been entrapped.

SECTION LXXIX.

XJicn on the morning of the fourteenth day, the ministers
of the 'king assembled addressed Bharata in the following
words, '^Having exiled his eldest son and the exceedingly
strong 'Lakshmana, Da9aratha who was the superior of our
superiors hath gone to heaven. Do thou, therefore, O illus-
trious prince, become our king. Having been permitted by
fhe king, thou wilt commit no fault (by doing so), as this
kingdom is without a master. O Rlghava, having procurqcl

410 RAMA r ANA.

all these necesf^aries for the installation, the counsellors and
others as well as the citizens wait, O king's son. Do thou,
O Bharata, take charge of this secure kingdom bequeathed
by thy father and grandfather. Do thou, O foremost of men,
have thyself sprinkled, and rule over us." Thereupon,
having gone round all the things procured for the sprinkling,
Bharata firm in his vows addressed those persons, saying,
"In our line it is ever fit for the first-bom alone to perfom
the task of government. It doth not behove ye who are
wise to say so unto me. Certainly RSma our eldest brotlier
shall become the king ; and I will abide in the forest for
five and nine years. Do ye array the grand and migbtjr
army consisting of fourfold forces. I will bring back fron
the forest my eldest brother R&ghava. And taking all these
necessaries for the investiture in front, I will go in the
direction of the forest for Rama. And sprinkling that chirf
of men on the spot, I will placing him in our front, bring
Rama back, like unto fire brought in from the sacrifice. I
will never fulfil the desire of this lady proud of her son. I
will inhabit the impracticable woods, and RSma shall becoise
the monarch. Let workmen lay out level roads in uneven
tracts ; and let those men that are adepts in threading places
difficult to pass through, follow us." When the prince had
spoken thus in behalf of R&ma, all those persons answered
him in these excellent words, *For saying this, may Lakshai
seated on the lotus remain at thy side ; inasmucbas thoo
wishcst to confer the earth on the eldest son of the
monarch !" Hearing that graceful speech of the king's ton,
tear-drops, begot of delight began to trickle from their eyes
and adorned those noble countenances. And their grief
removed, with cheerful hearts, the counsellors, coaitioSi
and others hearing that speech (of the prince), said,
*'0 best of men, according to thy order, artizans as weUas
people cherishing a high regard for thee have been dirccftid
to lay out a road."

A YODHYA KAN DA M, 411

SECTrON LXXX.

hen set aut in advance persons having a knowledge of
tiie hmnidity or otherwise of the soil, men skilled in making
tents, brave delvers engaged in their proper work ; those
capable of constructing canals and water courses, people on
pay, car-makers, men preparing machines, carpenters^ those
intended to guard the ways, pioneers, cooks, perfumers,
makers of wicker-ware and able guides. And as the
mighty throng began to proceed, it resembled the swell
of the sea on the occasion of a parva. And numbers
of men skilled in road-constructing went before furnished
with various implements. And hewing away boughs, and
plants and shrubs and woody projections, stones, and diverse
trees, they went on preparing a road. And they set up trees
where there were none, and at places they felled trees by
means of axes, tankas^ and daes^ others possessed of greater
strength and more powerful, with their hands uprooted masses
of Virana and here and there leveled a rising ground. And
others filled up with dust wells and capacious hollows, and
speedily leveled deep places alP around. And those men threw
bridges wherever they became necessary, and broke the
earth wherever such a process was required, and excavated
whenever it was necessary. In a short time, they made places
poor of water overflow with many and various expanses
resembling the ocean. And in tracts void of w^ater, they
digged divers receptacles of water, decorated with daises.
And the way of the army, furnished with pavements of
bricks and clay, with trees bearing blosoms, eloquent with
the tunes of birds, decorated with pennons, sprinkled with
sandal showers, and garnished with flowers of various kinds,
looked exceedingly beautiful, like unto the way of the celes-
tials. Then having received the command of Bharata, the
men that were in charge of the tents, ordered (the workmen)

4ti RAMAFANA.

to pitch the tents, and when they had been pitched mt a
romantic spot filled with tasteful fruits, in consonance with
the injunction of the high-souled Bharata^ the men decorated
splendidly the tentd which themselves were like the brna-
ihents of the road. And under an auspicious stat and at \k
favorable hour, men Well up in the work set ih^ encadipaaoM
of the high-souled Bharata. And the tenia sumninded bjr as
entrenchment paved with dust, containing images made of
sapphires, graced with goodly thoroughfares, lined with
edifices, encircled by towers and waHs, decorated with
streamers, having well-made high-ways, and appearing
like celestial daises and containing stately maaaioBt
with dove-cotes, r^$6mbl^ the metropolis of Sakra UnA-
self. And passing by the Jahnavi abounding in varioiv
trees and woods, of cool and crystal waters, and filled widi
mighty fishes, that way of the chi^ of men constructed bf
artizans, looked more and more lovely as it proceeded, at tfM
unclouded sky looks beautiful at night, adortaed with mnr
merable stars.

SECTION LXXXI.

X hen seeing that the night in which bad been perfonned
the auspicious preliminary ceremonies, was about to be speati
eulogists and genealogists hymned Bharata with conaceiatodi
hymns. And then sounded the kettle-drum, beaten by a {{oMm
stick, announcing the departure of the night ; and peopk
sounded conchs and other instruments by hundreds fumiih^
ed with soft and loud sounds. And as if fillihg the beaveM^
those powerful blasts of the trumpet repeatedly readered
Bharata burning in grief the more aggrieved. Then awaking
and silencing those sounds Mrith saying — "I am not the king,"
he said unto Satrughna, "Behold, O Satnighna, in what a

■ ■ • «

ArODHTARANDAM, 413

nighty wrong the people are etffag'ed, on account of Kaikeyi.
The Idng Dagaratha has gone away throwing down on me
(the burthen of) this misery. The royal grace founded in
rig^MeouMiess of that magnanimous and virtuous monarch is
wuderittg even like a boat on water having no helmsman.
KbA be trho is oar m-ighty master hath been banished into the
#Md8 by this mother of minei who had (in doing so) re-
noiinc^ virtue/' Seeing Bharata lamenting thus senseless,
tb^ hidies afBicted with sorrow began to wail in winsome
tfectets. As Bharata was mourning thus, the highly famous
asd vtrtn6u8 Vasishtha accompanied by his disciples entered
the court of the Ikshwaku king : built of entire gold, charm-
nigi daidlng with gems and gold : like unto SudharmSL itself.
Sittiifg down on a golden seat furnished with an elegant
C9ver, that one versed in all the Vedas commanded the
cn^oy^, saying, — "Do ye speedily with collected minds bring
bither BrSlhmanas atid Kshatriyas and warriors and coun>
sellors and generals of forces and Satrughna with the other
prin<^e8,afid the famous Bharata and Yudh&jit^ and Sumantra
and others that are engaged in our welfare.'' Then there
arose a mighty hubbub occasioned by people coming up in
cmrSi horses and elephants. And when Bharata arrived, the
subjects rejoiced as they used to rejoice on Da9ar§tha's
arrival ; and as rejoiced the immortals on the arrival of him
of an hundred sacrifices. And then the court resembling a
Bibveles^ o^ean containing whales and serpents,t and gems
anid ^onchs and gold-mines, being graced with the presence
of DafarSLUia's son^ looked splendid as it formerly did with

that of Da9ar&tha himself.

^■■1 ■ ,. i,t.» — •

* One ol the counsellors. — T.

t NtigA may also mean hypopotamus. — 7*.

414 RAMA r ANA.

SECTION LXXXll.

Aj^^ then the intelligent Bharata surveyed that assemUj-
filled with noble, and worthy personages, resembling the
night of the full mooA. And that august assembly was^
ablaze with the brilliant hues proceeding from the attires of
the honorable persons seated according to rank. And that
splendid assembly filled with learned people looked like the
night of the full moon after the clouds have dispersed. And
seeing all the subjects of the sovereign gathered together^
the priest cognizant of virtue soflty spoke unto Bharata,
^*My child, leaving unto thee this prosperous earth abomidiiig
in corn and wealth, king Da9aratha having performed bis
duties, hath gone to heaven. And R&ma of truthful chacacter
observing the virtue of the righteous hath not set aside his-
father's commands, even as the risen moon doth not
renounce the moonlight. Loved by the courtiers, do thou,
having been installed, enjoy this kingdom conferred on
thee by thy father and mother, rid of its thorn. Let
princes throned as well as those without thrones, from east,
and west, north and south, and also persons rang;fng
the sea, procure countless gems (for presenting them
unto thee." Hearing this speech, Bharata cognizant of
virtue, filled with sorrow, mentally repaired to Rftma desir-
ous of reaping merit. Then in words choked with the melo-
dious voice of a swan, lamented and taxed the priest, in the
midst of the assembly, "Who like myself ever deprives one
that hath led a Brahmacharyya mode of life, that is endowed
with understanding and performed his bath after HaTing
acquired learning, and that is always intent on righteous-
ness, of one's kingdom ? How begot of Da^aratha, shall
I deprive R&ma of his kingdom. It bchoveth thee to speak
righteousness before this assembly. First-bom, and fore-
most in merit, righteous-bouled, and comparable unto Dilipft

A rODHVA RAND AM. 415

and Nahusha, KSkutstha deserves the kingdom, just as
Da9aratha did. If I commit myself to this sin dishonorable
aad calculated to bring me to perdition, I shall in this world
iyring disgrace on the race of the Ikshw&kus. I do not at
all relish the sin that has been committed by my mother.
Remaining here with joined hands I bow down unto R3ma
gone to the forest fastness. I will follow Rclma. That best
of men is the king. RSighava deserves the dominion of the
three worlds themselves." Hearing those words informed
with righteousness, the entire assembly with their minds
intent upon R§ma, from joy shed tears. *^\l I fail to bring
back the noble one from the forest, I will like the exalted
Lakshmana remain even in that forest, I will in presence
of this mixed assembly of pious and honorable persons
following every perfection, adopt every expedient to bring
back R&ma. I have already despatched beforehand persons
serving for love as well as those for money ,and layers of roads
and their keepers ; and I intend setting out now." Having
said this, the virtuous Bharata attached unto his brother spoke
to Sumantra skilled in counsel, who was by, saying, ''Up,
and go, O Sumantra. at my command. Do thou make known
this journey and bring the forces.'' Thus accosted by the
Biagnanimoiis Bharata, Sumantra with a cheerful heart issued
orders concerning everything desirable as he was ordered.
Hearing that the army had been ordered to march forth for
bringing back Rima, the subjects as well as the generals of
the forces became exceedingly delighted. Hearing of the
journey to R&ma, for bringing him back the wives of the sol-
diers apprised of the order that had been issueil to the latter,
being exceedingly delighted, hurried on. And the generals
expeditiously despatched their forces with warriors by means
of horses and carts and cars fleet as the mind. Seeing those
forces marshalled, Bharata staying near his preceptor, said
unto Sumantra who was at his side, ''Do thou speedily bring
Biy car." In obedience to the mandate of Bharata, Sumantra

4i6 RAM AY AN A.

exceedingly rejoiced, appeared with ihe car yoked vilh
superb steeds. Then <that powerful deBcendast off Raglui
of truthful character, and having ussweryiog ftrutih for htt
prowess, Bharata, having said what was fit, apoke wofds
calculated to gladden his illustrious superior {fone to the
mighty forest, ''O Sumantra, arise thou speedily and» ihjr
desire fully attained, go by my command, and tdl Ihe chieiB
of the army, and our principal adherents to array the foooef."
Thereat rising, Rfiyanyas and Vai^yas, and Vrishalas ; and
Vipras in every house began to yoke camels and cars and
mules and elephants and excellent steeds.

SECTlOtl Lxxxiii.

Jtvising with the morrow, Bharata anxious to behold
R&ma, speedily set out ascending an excellent car. Befoce
him went the councellors and priests, ascending cars resonbl-
ing that of the Sun yoked with steeds. And a Aonsand
elephants duly consecrated went in the wake of th^t ion
of the Ikshw&ku line as he was proceeding. And six tiKMiaand
cars with bow-men furnished with various wei^xms 'fal-
lowed the illustrious prince Bharata as he was proceeding.
And a hundred thousand horses mounted (by riden) wmA
in the wake of that descendant of Raghu intent upon tnitii
and having his senses under control. And Kaikeyq .aod
Sumitra and the highly famous Kaucalyi rejoicing at tl|e
prospect of the bringing of RSma, went in an eftdf^nt cv.
And the honorable persons (belonging to all the three ordem)
went with the object of beholding RAma in conpany with
Lakshmana. And they with glad hearts variously convcrsad
with -each other, *'When shall we see the mighty amed
sable like unto a cloud, of steady strength, fim in
the remover of the world's grief ? As soon as we dull jte

AYODHYAKANDAM. 417

bim, RSghava will remove our sorrow ; even as the Sun aris-
Mf dispells the darkness of the entire world." Thus cheer-
fully carrying on an auspicious talk, the citizens embracing
each other went along. And all others, and the foremost mer-
chaats as well as all the principal classes, joyfully went in
quest of Rftma. And a number of gem-cutters, and goodly
potters^ weavers, and armourers, and peacock-dancers,
sawers, and perforators of gems, glass-makers, and workers in
ivory, cooks, incense-sellers, well-known goldsmiths, and
wool-manufacturers, bathers in tepid water, shampooers,
physicians, makers of Dhupas^ and wine-sellers, washermen,
and tailors, and actors in numbers with females, and Kaivartas,
and persons versed in Vedas having their minds in control,
and Br^hmanas of reputed character, and persons well dressed
and attired in pure habits, with their bodies daubed with
coppery unguents, by thousands followed Bharata on carts.
All these gradually followed Bharata by means of excellent
vehicles. And the army delighted and in high spirits went
in the wake of Kaikeyi's son attached unto his brother,
going to bring back his brother. Going far by means of cars,
vehicles, elephants, and horses, they arrived at the Gang§ near
Sringaverapura, where was peacefully staying that friend of
R&ma, the heroic Guha, surrounded by his relatives, ruling
the realm. Having come to the banks of the Gang§ graced
with ChakravSLkas, the army which was following Bharata
halted. Seeing the army inactive as well as the Gang^ of
sacred waters, Bharata versed in speech spoke unto the
courtiers, ''Do you communicating unto all our intentions,
encamp the army. Having been fatigued, we shall cross the
ocean-going Gang^ on the morrow. Having crossed the
stream, I am anxious to offer its water unto the monarch, who
has gone to heaven, in behalf of his spiritual body." When
he had said this, the courtiers with collected minds saying,
"Be it so," disposed their forces, each according to his wish.
Having on the mighty stream, GangS, quartered his forces

4i8 RAMA r ANA.

furnished with all appliances for the journey, Bharata remained
there, revolving the means of making the high-souled Rftnu
turn back.

SECTION LXXXIV.

J^eeing the forces with banners flying quartered on the

banks of the river Gang&, and engaged in various occupations,

the lord of the Nishadas, Guha, said unto his relatives ranged

around, "This mighty host here appeareth like an ocean.

I do not find its end even by thinking of it in my mind.

Surely the foolish Bharata hath come hither himself : on his

car appears the huge KovidSr*^ banner. Belike, he will either

bind us by nooses or slay us and next Da^aratha's son Rftma

banished from the kingdom by his sire. Desirous of taking

complete possession of the rare regal fortune of that

sovereign (Rlma), Kaikcyi's son, Bharata, comes to destroy

him. R&ma the son of Da^aratha is both my maintainer

and friend. Do ye in his interests, donning on your mail,

wait on the banks of the river. And stationed on the river

GangSi, let my powerful retainers subsisting on fruits and

roots and meat, be prepared for opposing Bharata's passage

over the river. And let hundreds upon hundreds of Kaivmrta

youths accoutred in mail remain in each of five hundred

barks." — Guha issued this order. "But if Bharata be well

disposed towards Rama, this host shall today safely cross

the Gang§." Having said this, the lord of the NishSdaSi

(luha, taking a present of flesh, fish and honey, went out for

inttTviewing Bharata. Seeing Guha approaching, the powoi^

ful son of the charioteer knowing season, humbly informed

Bharata of it, saying, **This lord (that approaches) surrounded

by his relatives, is very potent in Dandaka and is an oM

friend of your brother. Therefore let Guha, the lord of the

JtrODBFAKANDAM. 419

Nisfatdaa, see you, O KSikutstha. He indubitably knows
where Rima and Lakshmana are/' Hearing these wise words
of Sumantra, Bharata at once said, — "Let Guha see me/'
Receivings permission, Guha, right glad, appeared before
Bharata, bending low, and said, '^This place is thy home. But
thou bast stolen a march over us. We dedicate all this unto
fthee. Do thou reside in the abode of thy servant. Here are
iniits and roots gathered by the Nishidas and meat dry and
flioist and various other produces of the forest. I pray that
entertained in various ways and heartily partaking of meats
and drinks, this army may spend the night here. Tomorrow
morning, thou wilt go along with thy forces."

SECTION LXXXV.

Xhus addressed, the exceedingly wise Bharata answered
the lord of the NishSLdas, in words fraught with sense and
reason, '*Thy great desire, O friend of my superior, is surely
as good as attained ; since thou of mighty energy hast set thy
heart on entertaining my army." Having said these fair
words unto Guha, the graceful and highly energetic Bharata
again addressed the lord of Nishlidas, "By what way shall I
go to Bharadwaja's hermitage ? These lands watered by the
Gang^ are dense and hard to track." Hearing these words of
the intelligent son of the king, Guha well acquainted with the
forest, said with joined hands, **My servant well acquainted
with the place shall attentively follow thee ; and, O prince
possessed of mighty strength, I myself will also walk in thy
wake. But dost thou go after Rima of energetic acts with some
€vil intention ? This vast force of thine raiseth my appre-
hension." When Guha had asked this, Bharata with a pre-
sence unclouded like the sky, spoke unto Guha these sweet

420 RAM AY AN A.

words, ''May a time never come when I shall do wrong miCir
R&ghava! It behoveth thee not to fear me. RSlghaTa is
my eldest brother dear unto me even as my sire himself. I
go to make K&kutstha dwelling in the woods, turn back.
Other intention cherish I none. O Guha, this I tell thee
truly.'' Having heard Bharata's speech, Guha with a coante*
nance lighted up with delight, again cheerfully addressed
Bharata, saying, '^Blessed art ttiou I Thy like find I none
on earth, inasmuch as thou wishest to resig^n a krngdoia
that comes to thee without search. Thy eternal fame will
certainly range this world, since thou wishest to bring back
RSLma passing through misfortune." As Guha was speaking
thus unto Bharata, the Sun became shorn of his splendonr
and night fell. Thereupon, having disposed his troops, the
auspicious Bharata gratified by Guha, went to bed along with
Satrughna. Then arose thoughts of R§ma in the mind of
the magnanimous Bharata ever having his gaze fixed on
virtue and undeserving (of hardship). Then even as a
tree already heated by a forest-fire bums with a fire hidden
in its cavity, that descendant of Raghu began to burn with the
fire of grief inflamed in his heart. And perspiration produced
by the fire of sorrow issued out of all his limbs, as the
Himavat heated by the solar warmth generates water. And
Kaikeyi*s son was overpowered and drowned by the mount*
ain of grief, having thoughts (of R§ma) for its entire crag%
sighs for its mineral substance, disgust with the avocations
of life, for its trees, mental feebleness through grief for its
summits, stupor for the animals inhabiting it, and burning
for its annual shrubs and bamboos. And sighing heavily with
a heart oppressed with sorrow, well nigh deprived of
consciousness, and involved in high peril, that best of raes^
oppressed by the fever of his heart, like unto a mighty leader
of a herd, separated from it, did not attain peace of
mind. Meeting with Guha. the magnanimous Bharata
panicd by his people, engrossed with the thoughts of

ATODHYAKANDAM, 4^1

became oppressed with grief. (Seeing this), Guha by and
by encouraged Bharata concerning his elder brother.

SECTION LXXXVl.

ufaa, acquainted with the forest, described unto Bharata
of immeasurable prowess the regard the high-souled Laksh*
mana bore unto Rlma. "To Lakshmana crowned with every
virtue, waking up, holding the bow with the arrow fixed on
it for the purpose of gfuarding well his brother, I said, This
easeful bed has been prepared for thee, my child. O son of
Raghu's descendant, cheer up ! Do thou lie down at
ease. All these people can bear hardship ; but thou art
meant for comfort. For protecting him religiously, we shall
wake. To me also there is none that is dearer on earth than
R&ma. Do not be anxious. This I tell thee truly, through
his grace I expect high fame among men, and immense
religious merit, and interest and desire in entirety. Bow in
hand I shall along with my kin protect Rama lying down with
Sit&. To me always ranging in this forest, nothing whatever
is unknown. I can even cope in battle with an army of four-
fold forces.' Thus accosted by us, the magnanimous Laksh-
mana with his gaze ever fixed on virtue, humbly observed,
'How, Da9ariLtha's son sleeping on the earth with Sitcl, can I
attain sleep, or life, or happiness ? How see him who is
capable of bearing in battle the onslaught of the gods and the
Asuras combined, sleeping in a cave on grass ? It is by
virtue of mighty austerities and uncommon exertions that
Da^aratha has obtained this son of his crowned with every
auspicious sign. He being banished, the king shall not live
long ; and the Earth shall certainly be widowed soon.
Having bewailed aloud, by this time have the women got
exhausted ; and surely the king's mansion is to-day still. I

422 RAM AT ANA.

do not expect that either Kaufaljil or the king or my notbef
is alive. If they live, it can be for this night only. Even
if my mother live seeing Satrughna, that mother of aherOi
the afflicted Kau^alySi, will (surely) resign her existence. Say*
ing — All is lost, — All is lost, — with his desire unattained, my
father having failed to install R&ma in the kingdom, will resiga
his existence. Blessed are they that when the time shall come
for the same, shall perform the funeral ceremonies of the kingr
my deceased sire. Then shall they with happy hearts ruige
the metropolis of my father, furnished with fair-looking
terraces, with the highways laid out orderly, crowned wiklr
lordly edifices, adorned with various gems, crowded by
and elephants and horses, resounding with the notes of
pets, abounding in auspicious things, filled with fat and
tented people, having gardens and pleasure-houses, and
esscd of divers classes of men indulging festal mirth. Shall fve,
on the occasion of RSLma's return, with glad hearts peacefoUy
enter the city in company with that one firm in his promise?^
As the magnanimous son of the king was thus lamenting^ the
night passed away. In the morning, with an unclouded su,
both, having made matted locks on the banks of the BMigii»-
thi, crossed the river along with me. Wearing matted lods»
and clad in barks of trees, those persons possessed of mightf
strength, like unto leaders of elephant-herds, equipped wilb
excellent arrows and quivers and bows — those repressoffflf
foes, expecting (their return from exile), departed with SilL"

SECTION Lxxxvii.

mtm

J. rearing the words of Guha, exceedingly unpleiMtli
Bharata as soon as he heard them, became plunged in thomH
And then taking heart for a while, that tender-framed Mt
possessed of immense strength, gifted with leonine sboiddH*

-i

AYODHTAKANDAM. 423

mai len^h of arms, having expansive eyes resembling white
lotuses, young in years, and endowed with a handsome
presence, affected with great g^ief, was overpowered, like an
elephant wounded in the heart with a goad. Seeing Bharata
deprived of his senses with his countenance covered with
pallor, Guha became exceedingly agitated, like a tree
during an earthquake. Seeing Bharata in that condition,
Satrughna who was near, taking the former on his lap, began
to cry, almost deprived of his senses and oppressed with grief.
Thereat, all the mothers of Bharata, fasting, undergoing dis-
tress, and afflicted with the calamity that had befallen their
lord, came forward, and surrounding Bharata, began to lament
him fallen on the ground. And the distressed Kau9alya
drawing nigh embraced him like a cow approaching her calf ;
and weeping from excess of grief, spoke unto Bharata, saying,
**M)' son, doth any malady afflict thy body ? Now the life
of this royal race is, without doubt, in thy hands. Rama
having gone away along with his brother, I shall, O son, live,
seeing thee. King Da^ar^tha having departed this life, thou
alone art our lord. Hast thou, my son, heard anything
unpleasant concerning Lakshmana ; or the son of that one
having an only son,* who has gone to the forest along with
his wife ?" Having taken comfort for a while, that one of
high fame weeping, and solacing Kau9alya, spoke unto Guha,
saying, "Where did my brother pass the night ? And where
did Sit& ? And where did, again, Lakshmana ? And in what
bed did he sleep, and what did he previously partake of ? Do
thou, O Guha, tell me this." Thereat, well pleased, Guha,
the lord of Nishadas, related unto Bharata how he had acted
in respect of Rama, his dear guest, studious of his welfare.
"1 procured for Rlma's use rice and fruits and roots and various
kinds of food. All these Rama having truth for his prowess
accepted, but observing Kshatriya morality, he did not take
them. *0 friend, we ought not to take anything : ours is always

• Meaning herself. — T.

434 RAM AT AN A.

to give.' Thus did that magnanimous one beseech us. On
the high-souled Lakshmana bringing water, Righava hav*
ing drunk it, fasted along with Sit2L. Then Lakshmana drank
up the water that remained. Then the three with fixed minds
silently performed their adorations unto the Twilight After
that, Sumitra's son prepared a goodly bed for RSLghavai him*
self bringing Ku9a grass. And in that bed lay down Rftma
in company with Siti. Next washing their feet, Lakshmana
turned away. This is the foot of the Ing^udi, and this that
grass. On it both Rama and Sit& lay down that night.
Fastening on his back a pair of quivers filled with arrows,
furnished with finger-fences, and taking his mighty bow,
Lakshmana all night kept watch around. I also taking an
excellent bow, remained where remained Lakshmana, and
surrounded by my kindred who stayed there vigilantly, equip-
ped with bows, guarded him that resembled the mighty Indra.*'

SECTION LXXXVIII.

JLLaving heard everything, Bharata in company with the
counsellors went to the foot of the Ingudi tree and saw the
bed of Rama. And he said unto his mothers, 'That higfa-
souled one lay down here on the ground during the night,
and his limbs pressed this spot. Begot of that foremost of
monarchs. the exalted and intelligent Da^aratha, Rlma does
not deserve to sleep on the earth. How can that chief of
men having reposed in beds furnished with pillows Olade
of deer-skins and having superb cloths, have lain down on
the earth ? Always reposing in mansions and in upper
apartments paved with silver and gold and supplied with
excellent bed-cloths, decked with heaps of flowers, perfumed
with sandal and aguru, hued like unto pale clouds, resonant
with the notes of many parrots, — in palaces going before

ArODHYAKANDAM. 4^5

the choicest of their class, ringing with music, and perfumed—*
like unto Meru itself, with their bases composed of gold,
Rftma used to be awakened with vocal and instrumental
music, the tinklings of elegant ornaments and the peals of
goodly mrtdangas — that subduer of foes being in due season
hymned by the eulogists, and friends, bards and genealogists,
with worthy ballads and penegerycs. (This assertion of
R&ma's lying down on the ground) appears to me incredible :
it doth by no means look unto me like truth. Forsooth, I
am amazed. I take it, this is a vision. Verily, no destiny
is superior to Time, since Da9aratha's son, Rama himself,
had to repose on the earth, — and the beauteous beloved
daughter of Videha's king, and the daughter-in-law of
Dafaratha, had to lie down on the ground. This was the bed
of my brother ; on this hard spot did he turn his lovely limbs,
and this grass was pressed by them. I think that the graceful
SiUL adorned with ornaments slept in this bed, for here and
there are scattered particles of gold. It is clear that Sit«L had
spread her sheet at this spot, — hence it is that fibres of silk
are discoverable here. I deem that the bed of her lord
appeareth agreeable unto a wife, since a girl tender and in
affliction, the chaste daughter of Mithila experienced no
inconvenience (in sleeping in one such). Ah, I am undone !
Baleful am I, for it is on my account that Rlghava along with
his wife, lay down in such a bed, like one forlorn. Born in the
imperial race, and capable of conferring happiness on all, the
bringer-about of all good, why did RSghava of dark blue
hue like that of a lotus, graceful, and crowned with red eyes,
the inheriter of happiness and undeserving of misery, — having
left his dear consummate kingdom, lie down on the ground ?
Surely the mighty-armed Lakshmana graced with auspicious
^marks :s blessed, — he who in the time of dire adversity
foUoweth his brother R«Lma. And blessed is Videha's
daughter who followeth her husband into the woods. Bereft
of that magnanimous one, we have all been brought into

426 ^AMArANA.

jeopardy. The Earth without her helmsmao seemetb
me quite empty, on Da^aratha having ascended the ct
regions and RSima taken refuge in the wildemcfts. On
having set up his dwelling in the forest, one (like me)
not even mentally covet this earth which had been pro
by the immense prowess (of Rftghava). With her
undefended^ her horses and elephants unrestrained, ai»
gates left open, the defenceless metropolis deprived c
power,placed in peril and without any protection, is sure
regarded by the enemies, like food mixed with poison.
this day forth I will lie down on the ground, or on the
daily subsisting on fruits and roots, and bearing n
locks and a cloth of bark. And for his sake I will in i
live happily in the woods. (By my doing so), the pr
of that high-minded one shall not be rendered nal
residing in the forest in the interests of my brother, !
ghna shall bear company ; while my noble one will
AyodhySL assisted by Lakshmana. The twice-born on<
sprinkle K&kutstha in AyodhyS. May the deities realize
desire of mine ! Propitiated by me personally in various
with bent head, if he do not consent, then shall I ever sta]
RSighava in the woods. Surely he cannot long pers
putting me off."

SECTION Lxxxix.

JLLaving spent the night there on the banks of the G
that descendant of Raghu rising early in the morning
these words unto Satrughna, "O Satrughna, arise ! Whyl
est thou ? Bring thou at once that lord of the Nishftdhas, <
Good betide thee ! He will take the army (over the stre
Thus urged by his brother, Satrughna said, "Tbiokin

A rODHYA KA NBA M. 427

that AOble one (Rima), I have not slept, but have remained
awftke in a like manner."^ As those chiefs of men were
tbuH converging with each other, Guha appearing in time
with joined hands, remarked, ''O KSLkutstha, hast thou spent
the night happily on the banks of the river ? And is it
tonlinuous go6d fortune with thee along with thy forces ?"
Hearing Guh&'s speech fraught with affection, Bharata ever
dbedient unto RJlma, spoke on his part, saying, '^Happily
•have we spent the night ; and we have also been well
received by thee. Now let thy servants take us over by
means of many boats." Thereat, hearing Bharata's mandate,
Guha, bestirring himself, re-entered the city and addressed his
kinisfolk, saying, ^' Arise ye ! Awake I May good always attend
you ! Do ye draw up the boats ; I shall ferry the forces
over." Thus asked, they arising and bestirring themselves in
consequence of the king's command, brought up five hundred
boats around. Others also known by the name of Swastika,
bearing large bells on their prows, and banners, well decked
out, furnished with oars, and manned by bargemen, with their
joints firmly constructed, (were brought up). And Guha him-
self brought a graceful barge called Swastika, covered with
pale woolen cloth, and resounding with music. On this boat
ascended Bharata, the mighty Satrughna, Kau^alyi, SumitrS,
and other wives of the king. The priests, and preceptors
belonging unto the Brihmana order, had already ascended.
After (Bharata and others had got up), ascended the wives of
auxiliary princes, and cars and provisions were got on board.
And the uproar consequent on the troops burning down dwell-
ings, pressing down descents unto the river, and loading
goods, spread on all sides. Then those boats hung with* pen-
nons, managed by the kinsfolk (of Guha), setoff at speed with
fhe teeming folk^ that had got on board. And some of these
were filled with women, and some with horses^ and some
conveyed cars and cattle of great value. And going to the

• I. #., as thou hast done. — T.

SECTION Lxxxx.

428 RAMAYANA.

other bank and landing the crowds on the shorei the fiieBdi
and slaves (of Guha) while returning, displayed vsioof
movements (of the boats). And elephants graced with Sigt \
being spurred on by their riders, began to cross the Mieaa^
appearing like (so many) winged hills. Others ascended boats,
and others crossed on rafts, others crossed by mean^ of
reversed pitchers, and others by their arms alone. Ferried
over the GangSl by the servants (of Guha), that beautiM
army graced with streamers, at the third mukufta arrived
at the romantic woods of PraySga. Having made the army
take rest at its ease, and encamped it (at the woodi of
PraySlga), that magnanimous one, Bharata, for the puipoie
of seeing the asylum of the ascetic Bharadw&ja, wentthithcTr
accompanied by Rttwijas and Sadasyas.

JtLaving arrived at (the neighbourhood of) BharadiAja'*
asylum, that foremost of men while it was a kroea (to the tfei'
tination), left his forces behind and went thither, accompaDicd
by his counsellors alone. And leaving his attire and arM
and clad in a silk cloth, that pious one placing the pricit
in front, went on foot. Then with the view of seei>K
BharadwSLja, that descendent of Raghu leaving behind ^
counsellors also, went in the wake of the priest. Al
soon as Bharadw&ja of rigid austerities saw Vasiahthtt
he at once rose from his seat, saying unto him discipk*
"Arghya !" On being called upon by Vasishtha, thit
highly energetic one understood that it was Dafaratha'^
son. Having offered them (the guests) water to wasl^
their feet and Arghya^ as well as fruits subsequently, that
virtuous one (Bharadw&ja) successively enquired after th^

A rODHYAKANDAM. 4^9

Ifare of their (respective) homes ; ami after that, of the
•ces, exchequer, friends and counsellors in AyodhyS. And
owing that Da^aratha had departed this life, he did not
< anything relating to the monarch. Then Vasishtha and
larata questioned him as to his welfare in relation to the
dy, the (sacrificial) fire, the trees, the beasts and the birds
■ the hermitage). To all this returning "So it is," the
jstrious BharadwSlja from affection for R^ghava said unto
larata, "What is the use of thy visit here, seeing that thou
t engaged in the task of governing the kingdom ? Do thou
late all this unto me ; my mind is ill at ease. That slayer
foeSi and perpetuator of his race who hath been borne by
iU9aly3, and who along with his wife and brother hath
en banished to the woods for a long term — that illustrious
e who enjoined by his sire in the interests of a woman,
th become an inhabitant of the woods for fourteen years —
st thou, desirous of securely enjoying the kingdom belong-
% to him as well to his younger brother, intend to do
y harm unto that sinless one 1" Thus accosted, Bharata
plied unto BharadwSija with tears filling his eyes and his
)rds choked with grief, "Undone am I if the reverend
e also deems me so. Do not apprehend any wrong from
B ; and do thou not reproach me thus. Whatever my
>ther has said in relation to me, does not express my wish,
am not satisfied with that, nor do I endorse her speech,
intending to pacify him, am going to that chief of men,
th the view of taking him unto AyodhySL and of paying
mage unto his feet. Thinking me as already gone, thou
ouldst show thy favor unto me. O reverened Sir, tell me
lere stayeth at present RSma, lord of the earth." Be-
ught by Vasishtha and the other Ritwijas, the venerable
laradwSja well pleased, spoke unto Bharata, "O foremost
men^ even this is worthy of thee. Serving superiors, res-
tint of the senses^ and following the pious, are ever found in
c sprung in the Rdghava line. I know that even this is

'vr

-.% , ^r

430 RAMATANA.

thy intention ; but for the purpose of making thy mind all At
firmer, I had asked thee in this wise ; so that thy fame mi^
greatly increase. I also know the righteous R&ma with SitI
and Lakshmana. This brother of thine at present stays at
the mighty mountain Chitrakuta. On the morrow thoa witt
set out for that reigon. Do thou to-day sojourn here alon^
with thy counsellors. O wise one, do this at thy pleasure <•
O thou understanding interest and desire." Thereat
gentle-looking and highly famous one said, "Be it so ; "
the king's son made up his mind to spend the- night in
great hermitage (of the saint).

SECTION LXXXXI.

Xhen the ascetic asked Bharata, the son of Kaikeyi, whctt-^
he had decided for staying there, to receive his hospitality.
Thereat Bharata said, ''Thou hast for certain done this,-^
(hast offered me^ water for washing my feet, Arghym^ and
hospitality with what can be procured in the forest." Then
Bharadwaja as if in jest, said unto Bharata, "I know thee to
be of a complacent disposition ; and that thou art pleased
with anything and everything. But I wish to feast thy foroeSL
And, O best of men, it behoves thee to act in harmony witb
my desire. Why didst thou coming hither, leave thy army at
a distance ? And, thou man of men, why didst thou not come
accompanied with thy forces ? " Bharata replied ante Uoi
saying, '' I had not come accompanied with my foroes, from
fear of thee, O reverend Sir. O worshipful one, kings and
their sons should always carefully avoid the regions of
tics. Choice steeds, men, and mad elephants of the
kind, covering a spacious tract of country, come in my timia»
respected Sir. That these might not injure trees or water or
the grounds of the cottages partaining to the asylums«

AFODHFAKANDAM. 431

le hither alone." "Bring the forces here," — thus desired
le mighty ascetic, Bharata accordingly caused the troops
: brought in.

Tien entering the chamber of the sacrificial fire, (Bhara-
a) having sipped water and rubbed his lips therewith,
ced Vi9wakarm& for the purpose of entertaining his guest.
vokc Vi9wakarma ; even Twastri himself. I wish to
tain guests. Let him accomplish this for me. I invoke
three guardians of the worlds — gods headed by Sakra.
h to entertain guests. Let them accomplish this for me.
those rivers that flow westwards, and those that move
ously on the earth and in the sky, come hither in a body,
let others run Matreya, and others refined wine, and
s again cool waters resembling the juice of the sugar-
I invoke the celestials and the Gandharbas and
Slva^u and Haha and Huhu and also the divine ApsarSs
landharbis all ; and Ghritachi, Vi9w&chi, Mi9rake9i and
vusha ; and NSLgadattSL and HemSl and Som^ residing in
lountain ; and those ladies that attend Sakra, and those
ittend BrahmS. I invoke all these females well attired,
»mpany with Tumvuru. And let that beautiful forest of
*ra in the north Kuru, having its foliage resembling
s and ornaments, and its fruits debonair damsels, exist
at this very spot. And here let the worshipful Soma
me excellent viands of diverse kinds in plenty ; things
may be eaten or enjoyed, sucked or licked ; and varie-
l blossoms growing in the trees, and wines and (other)
;s, and meats of various kinds/' Thus, furnished
aarivalled ascetic energy, did that anchoret observ-
excellent vows, express himself orthoepically in
mance with SikshSl. And as he sat with joined
I facing the west with a rapt mind, there came
ately all those deities. And then touching Malaya
Dardura, and laden (with perfumes), a delicious and
»me wind began to blow delightfully, removing sweat.

43' RAMATANA.

And the clouds poured down a pleasant shower of bto$*
soms ; and from all sides were heard sounds of celestial
kettle-drums. And a rare breeze set in, and the multitudes
of ApsarSLs danced ; and the celestials and the Gandhaibas
sang, and the Vinis let out their notes. And the dulcet
sounds high and low furnished with Sama and measuiep
entered the Earth and the firmanent and the ears of all cieft*
tures. When that celestial symphony, delightful unto the
ears of men, had thus developed itself, Bharata's forces saw
the workmanship of Vi9wakarm&. That spot widening into
a level plain measuring five Yoyanas was covered with thick
grass resembling blue lapises. And on it stood VilwMMf
and KapithwaSy Panasas^ citrons, and Amalakas^ and mnngos»
embellished with fruits. From the north Kuru had spread
a wood capable of conferring every enjoyment ; and a beauti-
ful river coursed through bordered by many a tree. And
there had arisen white edifices having four divisions ; and
stables for horses and elephants ; and grand gatewajrs belongi-
ing unto palaces and mansions ; and royal residences with
graceful gates, resembling white clouds, bearing white gar-
lands and washed with fragrant waters, having four cornets^
and spacious, fitted up with beds, seats, and vehicles^ having
every kind of excellent sapid food, stocked with excellent
edibles and apparels, having every variety of food, possessing
washed and bright vessels, with every description of seats,
graceful, and accommodated with choice beds with coverlets.
Permitted by the Maharshi, Kaikeyi's son, Bharata, entered
that mansion abounding in gems. And he was followed \if
the counsellors and the priests ; and the latter beholding the
arrangements of the palace, were filled with delight. And
Bharata in company with the counsellors there went round
the august royal seat, the chowrh and the umbrella, worthy
of a king. And having bowed down unto R2Lma, he wondiip*
ped that seat. And then holding the rA^urri' of hair, he sat
down on the scat of a minister. Then the counsellors

A rODHFAKANDAM. 433

priests seated themselves according to rank. And there-
after the general and the protector of the encampment (got
themselves seated). Then at BharadwSLja's command, came
into being near Bharata streams having payaca for their
slime. And at the pleasure of the Brthmana, on both their
banks arose charming dwellings, covered with pale clay. And
at that very moment there came twenty thousand women
commissioned by Brahml, adorned with divine ornaments.
And there came also twenty thousand females sent by Kuvera,
decked out in gold and gems, pearls and corals. The sight
of these was capable of filling men's minds with enchanting
ravishment. And there came from Nandana twenty thousand
damsels ; and Nirada and Tumvuru and Gopa, resembling
the sun in splendour. The Gandharba kings began to sing
before Bharata. And AlamvushSl, and Migrake^i, and Pun-
darikd, and Vimana danced before Bharata, at the command
of Bharadwija. And those blossoms that are in the celestial
regions, and that bloom in the forest of Chaitraratha, became
visible in PraySga at the energy of Bharadwija. And Vilwas
did the office of players on the MridangUy and Vibhitakas,
that of keepers ol Soma, and Agwaththas became dancers, at
the energy of BharadwSja. And Saralas, TSlas, Tilakas, and
Tam&las, being delighted, became hump-backed ones and
dwarfs. And Sinsapas, Amalakis, Jamvus and other plants
of the forest, wearing the forms of females, stood at the man-
sion of BharadwSija. ''Let wine-drinkers drink wine, the
hungry eat PSya^a, and those that are inclined to it, feed on
clean meat.*' And every seven or eight females taking a
man, bathed him on the lovely banks of the rivers. And
damsels furnished with expansive eyes, having wiped the
persons (of the bathers), pressed their legs, and those magni-
ficent women made them drink (wine). And the keepers
duly fed excellent horses, elephants, camels and Suravi's sons
(oxen), with their (proper) food. And some persons possessed
of mighty strength, being directed thereto, fed the bearers
55

434 JiAMATAftS.

of the foremost Ikshnvftka warriors with siiger-Gftiiet, fcoMy^
and fried paddy. And the groom forgot his horsCi and Ae
dephant-keeper his elephant : that army there became
ported with wine and exhilaration. And samptuouily
tained with every enjoyment, with their bodies dedced wilk
red sandal, the soldiery in the company of beries of ApMil%
exclaimed, "To AyodhyS will we not go, nor yet to Dandaka.
Peace be unto Bharata, and may RAma reap happinoi f
Thus did footmen and the riders and keepers of elephaals
and horses, as well as others, having experienced SQch a statef
utter words. And men by thousands, exceedingly delighledi
sent up shouts. And saying, "This is heaven/' the TCtioae
of Bharata-^he soldiers— began to dance and laugh afid
sing ; and bearing garlands, they on all sides rushed hj
thousands. And beholding the inviting viands reseaUfalg
ambrosia, they, although already fed, became desiiow ef
eating once again. And wearing new clothes, all the s^ffraBfei^
and maids, and females of the household, became esceedhglf
well pleased. And elephants, and asses, camelSi kine aad
horses, and beasts and birds, being fed thefar GH^ dM
hunger after anything else. And there appeared ao one
wore a soiled habit, or who was hungry, or melaadM^, or
whose hair was covered with dust. And the people with
wonder beheld before them vessels of precious metak \tf
thousands graced with citaplets of flowers, filled wi
of fruits and fragrant soups and curries and the fledi of
and bears, and white rice. And there were on the «kiits of Ike
wood wells having P&ya^a for their slime; and Ihekiae
yeilded whatever was asked ; and all the trees dropped hmmef.
And the tanks were filled with Maireya as well as with deMI
hot meat of deer, peacocks, and cocks, dressed in pans. Aid
there were rice -holders by thousands, and cuiry-ipota Ijf
hundred thousands, and golden vessels by Arvmims. ' htA
there were pitchers and water-pots and cleaned
churning curd, filled with the same. And there were

• t

••' •< \M

ArODHYAKANDAM 435

of savoury and yellow butter-milk, well-tempered. And
there were tanks filled with Rasila ;* and others filled with
milki and with sugar. And men saw sediments, acrid powders
and various others things in vessels, (or the purpose of bath,
on the terraces of tanks ; and tooth-cleaning sticks of Ancumftn
and other (trees) ; and white sandal paste lying before ; and
cleaned mirrors ; and lots of cloths ; and sandals ; and shoes
in pairs by thousands ; and coUyrium-pots ; and combs ; and
brushes ; and bows at some places ; and mail \ and various
kinds of seats and beds. And they saw reservoirs for asses,
camelSf elephants, and horses, with easy descents, filled with
water to assist their digestion ; and pools furnished with
lotuses, of the hue of the firmament, with transparent water,
comfortable for ablutions ; and tender (plots of) grass all
around colored like blue lapises, to serve as pasture for beasts.
Witnessing the wonderful hospitality provided by the Mahar-
shi BharadwSja, like unto a visioi^, the men marvelled.
Thus entertained like unto celestials in Nandana, they passed
the night at the hemritage of BharadwSLja. Then taking the
permission of Bharad^ja, all the Gandharbas as well as
the superb damsels went away as they had come. And the
men remained intoxicated and highly inebriate with the
liquor, their persons daubed with goodly aguru and sandal ;
and the various elegant garlands beautiful to behold, lay by
themselves all around, crushed by the people.

SECTION LXXXXII.

H aving passed that night, Bharata having been enter-
tained along with his family, appeared before Bharadwftja,
desirous (of seeing R&ma). Seeing that foremost of men
(standing) with joined hands, Bharadw&ja, who had just finish-

* A prepiLntioQ of butter*mUk.

43^ R^MAYANA.

ed his fire-sacrihce) said, ''Hast thou passed the i
pleasantly at our place ? And have all thy men been pie
with our hospitality ? Do thou tell me this, O sinless o
Thereupon, Bharata bowing down, with joined hands
unto that ascetic of excellent energy, as he had is
out of his hermitage, "O reverend Sire, I along will
i my forces and vehicles have passed (the night) happi

\ have been full well entertained by thee, O worshipful

^ possessed of power. And with our languor and

« removed, we all sumptuously feasted and comfortably c

^ tered, have passed (the night) agreeably along with

servants. Now, O best of ascetics, I beseech thee to
with a propitious eye on me who am bound for my broti
place. And tell me, O thou cognizant of mdrality, hoi
is it unto that high-souled righteous one's asylum, an
what way (shall I reach there) ?" When Bharata eager ti
his brother had asked thus, the highly energetic Bharad
of rigid austerities answered, "O Bharata, two and a
Yojanas hence, embosomed in a tenantless wood b
mountain Chitrakuta, charming with rocks and woods.
its northern border flows the river Mandftkini^ cov
with flowering trees and with blossoming woods. Be
the stream is the mountain Chitrakuta. There is
thatched cottage, my child ; there they abide for Gcr
Proceeding by the southern way, do thou with thy ft
composed of elephants and horses, O master of the a
turn to the left, O exalted one, and go southwards.
doing so, thou wilt be able to see Rftghava." Hearii
their departure, the wives of that king of kings, lea
their cars, albeit worthy of them, gathered round the I
mana. Lean and trembling and in woful guise, Kau)
along with the noble SumitrSL, with her hands took the
of the ascetic. Despised universally because of her unr
eous desire, Kaikeyi also bashfully took hold of his
and, having circumambulated the mighty and veoei

•4

A YODHYA KA NDA M. 437

ioehoreti stood near Bharata in dejection of spirits. Then
the Blighty ascetic Bharadw&ja asked Bharata, '^0 descendant
of Ragbuj I wish to know particularly about thy mothers."
Thus accosted by Bharadwftja, the pious Bharata deft
in speech said with joined hands, "O reverend sir, she
whom thou beholdest depressed and emaciated through grief
and fasting — ^resembling a very goddess — is the noble Queen
of my father. This one, Kau9aly&, it is that gave birth unto
that chief of men, having the powerful gait of a lion, Rima,
even as Aditi gave birth to Dh&t&. She that stands at her
left hand, in dejected guise, is the noble Sumitr^ afflicted
with sorrow, the second wife of the monarch — like a
KamikAra bough in a forest, with all its blossoms shrivelled
up. The sons of this exalted lady are the youthful and
heroic Lakshmana and Satrughna, having truth for their
prowess, and resembling celestials in shape. And her in
consequence of whose act those foremost of men have come
by crushing misfortune, and the king Da9aratha hath gone to
heaven, deprived of his son, — wrathful and proud of her good
fortune, setting her heart on wealth — Kaikeyi, dishonorable,
although endowed with the semblance of honor, do thou
know this wicked one intent on sin as my mother. In her
do I perceive the root of my mighty misfortune." Having
said this, with his words choked with emotion, that best of
men with his eyes reddened, sighed like an enraged serpent.
As Bharata was speaking thus, the great ascetic BharadwSija
gifted with high understanding and knowing interest,
answered Bharata, saying, ''O Bharata, thou ought not to
cast any blame on Kaikeyi. This banishment of the king
(RAma), shall be for the good (of all). The banishment of
Rima shall surely be for the welfare of the gods and the
Asuras and sages of concentrated souls." Thus blest,
Bharata saluted the ascetic and went round him, and then sum-
moning the soldiery, said, "Yoke.'' Thereupon, getting ready
excellent steeds and cars decked with gold, many people

438 RAMdrANA.

mounted, < with the tnteotion of departing. , Aad nule Ui4
female elephants with golden chains round their nedoi mA
furnished with banners, with the sounds (of bells), pro^pggjei,
like clouds at the end of the summer season. And thenpnioaed-
ed various kinds of cars great and light of mcMreBeataad
of high value ; and the infantry went on fooL And cm a
magnificent car went the ladies beaded by Kaii9aljft, irilk
delighted hearts, eager to see Rftghava. And aaoeiiding m
elegant car resembling the infant sun or moon, driven bf
charioteers, went the graceful Bhafata well aitired. And
that mighty host abounding with horses and i h ]fln^n
proceeded, blocking up the southern quarter,, like a ooloMd
cloud arisen (in the sky), leaving behind on the
bank of the Gang& woods inhabited by birds and
and coursing by rivers and. mountains. And componed tl
numbers of elephants and horses in high spiritSi that nnqr
of Bharata, frightening multitudes of beasts and biids^ dived
into that mighty forest.

- 1

SECTION Lxxxxrrr.

j^fflicted by the mighty force on its way with BmnwP
(displayed), those inhabitants of the woods, leaden of
elephant-herds, took to their heels in company with tkn
herds themselves. And bears and Prishatas and
were on all sides seen in the forest-ways, and on hflb
rivers. And that virtuous son of Da^aratha witif m ghd
heart held on his wa} , surrounded by that vast annjr
sisting of fourfold forces, raising a tremendous nponr.
that army of Che high-souled Bharata resembling the
of the ocean, covered the earth quite, as ckradt ii
season cover the welkin. And filled with steeds and
elephants, the earth at that time for a long

vt*.

ArODBTARANDAM. 439

Invimble. And having proceeded a long way, the graceful
Bharata, with his bearers extremely tired, said these words
unto that foremost of counsellors, Vasishtha, "From appear-
ances, and from what I had heard, it is evident that we have
Arrived at that region which BharadwSlja had told us of.
This is the mountain Chitrakuta and that the river Mand&kini.
And from a distance this forest apppeareth like dark clouds.
And now our elephants resembling hills afflict the romantic
sides of Chitrakuta. And the trees scatter blossoms over the
sides of the mountain, even as after summer sable clouds pour
down showers. O Satrughna, behold the realms inhabited
by Kinnaras, scattered with steeds, like the main with maka-
rms. And these herds of deer furnished with celerity, being
wged on, roam about like masses of clouds in the sky in
autumn, propelled by the winds. And like the people of the
south, these warriors bearing shields resembling clouds, are
adorning their heads with ornaments of perfumed blossoms.
And this forest, although void of men and dreadful in appear-
ance, at present appeareth unto me like AyodhySL teeming
with people. The dust raised by the hoofs (of horses) stands
covering the sky : anon the wind bearing it away, compasses
my pleasure. And, O Satrughna, see how fast these cars
yoked with steeds and driven by skilful charioteers, are
proceeding in the forsst. And behold these beauteous
peacocks, which, being frightened, take refuge in the mountain
—the home of feathered tribes. This country appears to me
exceedingly lovely. This abode of the ascetics is like
vnto the way to heaven itself. Male and female deer and
Prishatas in the forest, beautiful to look at, appear as if
▼ariegated with flowers. Now let the soldiers go advisedly
and search this forest, so that they tight upon those chiefs
xrif men, Rlma and Lakshmana." Hearing Bharata's speech,
persons with weapons in their hands, plunged into the
forest, and those heroes presently discovered the top of a
(ceiumn of) smoke. Having seen the top of the (column of)

440 RAMATANA.

smoke, they came before Bharata and said, ''Fire cannot
exist where there is no man present. Therefore it is evident
that even here are those descendants of Raghu. But if thos?
foremost of men, those subduers of their enemies, the
princes, be not herei there are others, being ascetics, resem-
bling Rama." Hearing their words acceptable unto the
pious, that afHicter of hostile ranks, Bharata, said unto the
entire army, "Do ye carefully stay here : do not proceed
further. I myself will go, and Sumantra and Dhriti.** Thus
desired, the troops remained all about that place. Bharmta
went away, keeping his gaze fixed in the direction of the
top of (the column of) smoke. Desired by Bharata to halti
that army, looking in the direction of the smoke, rejoiperi
soon on learning that the beloved R&ma had arrived (at that
place).

SECTION Lxxxxiv.

jLLaving spent a long time in that mountain, that lover
of hills and woods, Da^arSLtha's son resembling an immortalt
anxious to pleasure Vaidehi as well as to please his
mind, showed the variegated Chitrakuta unto his wife,
Purandara unto Sachi. "O gentle one, neither deprivatioa
of the kingdom nor separation from friends afflicts mj miad
on beholding this romantic mountain. My gentle one, look
but at the hill abounding with flocks of various birds, adorned
with summits cleaving the welkin and teeming with minc^l
substances. And some parts of this monarch of mountaias
are like silver, and some are blood-red, and some yellow likt
the hue of Manjisth^, and some lustrous like sapphireSg
some shining like blossoms or crystal or Ketakas^ and
blazing like stars or mercury, and some dight in minenl
substances. And the mountain shines, being filled with divfj^.

1. *'

A rODHYAKANDAM. 441

beasts and multitudes of innocuous tigers, hyenas and bears,
aad thronged with innumerable birds. And overspread with
mangos, rose-apples, and Asanas^ and Lodhras,^ Piyalas,
jacksy Ankolas, and Bhavyattni9as, and Vilwas> and Tin-
dukae, and bamboos, Ka^maris, Arishtas, and Varanas, and
MadhulcaSy sesames, and jujubes, and Amalakas, Nipas,
canes, Dhanwanas, and citrons — all in full flower, and bearing
fruits, umbrageous and charming, — the mountain attains an
accession of loveliness. And, thou gentle one, on the
picturesque plateau of the hill behold these intelligent couples
of Kinnaras engaged in sport at spots yeilding every enjoy-
ment ; and look at their swords hung up on the boughs. And
^ce the gorgeous apparel of Vidyadharis, as well as the
charming regions in which they sport. And like an elephant
dropping the temporal juice, this hill appeareth beautiful with
cascades, fountains and rillets, flowing here and there. Whom
doth not the breeze laden with the perfumes of many a
flower, soothing the sense of smell, fill with delight ? If, O
blameless one, I dwell (here) for many years with thee as well
as Lakshmana, grief cannot overcome me. O damsel, I take
delight in this picturesque peak abounding in flowers and
fruits, and frequented by various birds. By this banishment
of mine, I have gained two things — my father has maintained
his truth in religion, and Bharata has obtained his dear
interest. O daughter of Videha, art thou being pleased on
viewing along with me on Chitrakuta, various objects grateful
unto mind, speech and body ? O queen, this abode in the
forest like unto ambrosia hath been declared by those royal
saints, my ancestors, as working out one*s emancipation after
death. The giant crags of the mountain grace the place all
round by hundreds ; many and various-hued, blue and yellow
aad pale and red. In the night, the annual herbs by thous-
ands growing on this foremost of hills, shine and become
visible by their own lustre, like flames of fire. And, O lady,

♦ Symplocos raceniosa. — T.

443 RAM AY AN A.

some parts of the mountain appear like dwellings, and some
like gardens, and some, again, consist of single rocks (capable
of accommodating numbers of men). And Chitrakuta looks
as if it had arisen, riving th6 earth ; and the fair front of
Chitrakuta can be perceived from every point. Behold
the beds of pleasure-seekers, consisting of the petals of
lotuses, with Sthagaras^ Panagas and Bhuryapatras for
their coverlets. And, my wife, behold these lotus-garlands
have been crushed and scattered ; and the various fruits have
been partaken of. The mountain Chitrakuta abounding in
fruits and roots and waters, surpasses Kuvera's capital or
Sakra's city or the north Kurus. My wife, O SitA, if in con-
sonance with my own excellent rules, I can, remaining in the
path of the pious, pleasantly pass this time along with thjself
and Lakshmana, then I shall attain the happiness resulting
from observing the duties of one's race."

SECTION Lxx)cxv.

Xhen going out of the mountain, the Lord of Kofala
showed unto Mithtl&'s daughter the charming stream ManA-
kini of excellent waters. And RAma, furnished with eyes
resembling lotuses, addressed the daughter of king Videha,
transcendentally beautiful, with a countenance like the fair
moon, saying, "Behold the river Mand&kini, having variegated
islets -, beautiful ; frequented by ducks and cranes ; and filled
with flowers ; covered with diverse trees bearing fruits and
flowers ; and looking graceful all round like Sangandhiki her-
self of Kuvera. And the waters rendered muddy in conse-
quence of herds of deer drinking of them, as well as the
graceful descents unto the river, fill me with pleasure. And^
my beloved, sages wearing matted locks and deer-skinS| with

A rODHFA KA KD A M. 443

barks for their sheets, are in season performing their ablutions
in the river MandcLkini. And observing rules, persons raising
up their arms, are worshipping the sun, and, O thou of expans-
ive eyes, after these appear ascetics following vows, (engaged
in Japd), And the hill seems to dance on the wind swaying
the tops of trees \ and on both sides of the river, the trees
are crowned with flowers and leaves. And behold the river
MandcLkini, somewhere with its waters resembling pearls,
and somewhere with islets, and somewhere filled with
persons who have attained emancipation. O thou of slender
waist, behold these hosts of flowers spreading along, and
others dipping themselves (in the stream). And, O auspici-
ous one, behold these sweet-throated birds, the ChakravcLkas,
getting upon the islets, uttering pleasant notes. Methinks,
O beauteous one, the sight of Chitrakuta and of MandSLkini
is even more delightful than life in the metropolis, or the
sight of thy own self. Do thou like unto her companion
perform thy bath with me in this stream, whose
waters are perpetually stirred by emancipated ones,
furnished with asceticism, self-restraint, and control over
the senses, who have had their sins removed. Do thou,
O Sit&, perforni thy ablutions in the MandSlkini, scattering at
the sametime, O girl, red and white lotuses. Do thou, my
wife, always consider the wild animals as citizens, the mount-
ain as AyodhyS, and this stream as the Sarayu. The virtuous
Lakshmana is ever obedient to my commands ; and, O
Videha's daughter, thou also art favourable to me. This
causes delight in my heart. Bathing thrice (in this river),
and living on tasteful fruits and roots, I in thy company do
not today wish either for Ayodhyi or royalty. Bathing in
this beauteous stream agitated by herds of elephants, whose
waters are drunk by elephants, lions and monkeys, — ^which is
graced with flowers, and which is decked with multitudes of
blossoms, there is no one who has not his fatigue removed,
and who does not feel exhilarated." Having thus along with

444 RAMAYANA,

his beloved one, spoken variously regarding the stream, that
perpetuator of the Raghu race, R§ma, began to range the
charming Chitrakata, resembling the collyrium in hue.

SECTION LXXXXVI.

Xlaving showed unto MithilSL's daughter the river belong*
ing to the mountain, R§ma sat do^vn on its table-land and,
gratifying Sit^ with meat, said unto her, "This clean meat
tastes sweet, having been roasted in fire.'* The righteous
RSLghava was thus seated in company with SitI, when Bhara-
ta's followers came there. And filling the heavens, there
arose clouds of dust raised by the army as well as an uproar.
And at this time mad leaders of elephant-herds accompanied
by the latter, scared by the terrible tumult, scudded on all
sides. And RIghava heard the noise raised by the army ; and
also saw all those leaders of elephant-herds scampering away.
And having seen them running away and heard that hubbub,
RSLma spoke unto Sumitr§'s son, Lakshmana of flaming ener-
gy, ''Ha! Lakshmana, in whom SumitrSL has been blest with a
worthy son, hark i A tremendous and dreadful uproar
resembling the' rumbling of cloulds is being heard ; and in
the woods and mighty forest, deer and buffalos and herds of
elephants being accompanied by lions are suddenly scamper-
ing away in all directions. O Sumitr&'s son, it behoves
thee to learn whether any king or prince is hunting in the
forest, or any ferocious beast is (ravaging the woods). O
Lakshmana, this mountain is even mcapable of beiBf
frequented by fowls. Therefore it behoves thee to learn aH
about it, as has actually been the case.*' — Thereatj hurriedlf
ascending a flowering Sala tree, Lakshmana surveying aH
sides, fixed his gaze on the east. And viewing the east, ht

A rODHTA KA NDAM. 445

discovered a mighty army, abounding with elephants, horses
and cars, and consisting of equipped infantry. Thereupon,
Lakshmana communicated unto Rama tidings concerning
that army filled with elephants and steeds, and decked with
cars and streamers ; and spoke unto Rima, saying, ''O noble
one, do you put out the fire ; and let Sita go into the cave.
And do you string your bow and make ready the arrows and
don on your mail." Thereat, R§ma — chief of men — answered
Lakshmana, saying, '^O son of Sumitrd, do thou (first)
ascertain whom this host belongs to." Thus accosted
by Rlma, Lakshmana, as if consuming that army by his
wrath resembling. fire, said, 'Having got himself installed,
Kaikeyi's son, Bharata, anxious to render his royalty perfectly
safe, is coming hither for the purpose of slaying us both.
Yonder is seen the graceful tree. By the same appeareth on
the car the KovidcLra standard^ having a shining top. And
men riding swift coursers are at their pleasure making for
this place ; and elephant-riders, riding on elephants, are also
cheerfully directing their course hither. Let us, O hero, taking
cor bows, station ourselves on this hill. I will (to day) see
Bharata, for whom we have come by this mighty misfortune.
Or let us rather remain where we are accoutred in mail and
with our arms ready. Shall he of the KovidSlra banner in
conflict come under our sway ? O hero, we have met with
that foe of ours for whom, O RSlghava, you, Sit& and myself
have (expirienced such misery), for whom, O Raghava, you
have been cast off from the entire kingdom. Surely, Bharata
should be slain by me. O R§ghava, fault find I none in
slaying Bharata ; slaying a former wronger, one doth not
reap unrighteousness. O R&ghava, there is religious merit
to be reaped by slaying Bharata, who had formerly done us
wrong. On this one being slain, you will rule the entire
earth. To day shall Kaikeyi lusting after the kingdom, with
grief behold her son slain in battle by me, like a tree riven
by an elephant. I will also kill Kaikeyi along (with the

44^ RAM AY AN A.

hump-backed one, and her friends. Let the earth todaj be
freed from foul sins. To day will I, O bestower of honor,
vent my restrained ire and bad blood upon the hostile hoftiy
like fire set to a heap of hay. To day with sharpened
shafts will I cut the bodies of the hostile hosts and drench the
woods of Chltrakuta with their blood. The ferocious beasts
shall drag away elephants and steeds and men slaughtered by
me with arrows penetrating into their hearts. I will, without
doubt, in this forest pay the debt I owe to my bow asd
arrows, by slaying Bharata together with all his forces."

SECTI ON Lx xxxVii

»^»<

Jl acifying SumitrSL's son, Lakshmana, transported with
rage and eager for encounter, R&ma addressed himi sayingi
'*When the mighty Bharata possessed of high spirits hit
himself come here, what is the use of the bow or the swoid
or the shield ? Having promised to maintain my father's
truth, what, O Lakshmana, shall I, having slain Bharata is
battle, do with the kingdom with a stain attached unto it ?
That thing which falls to my lot on the destruction of friends
and adherents I never accept, even like food mixed with
poison. I swear unto thee, I wish for the (possession of) righte-
ousness, interest, desire and the earth, in your interests akmet
O Lakshmana. O Lakshmana, I swear by my weapon that it
is for the maintenance and happiness of my brothers that I
wish for the kingdom. O mild one, this Earth herself is
not difficult of being attained by me ; but, O Lakshmanai I
do not through unrighteousness wish to possess myself el
Sakra's state. — May fire reduce to ashes any happiness eC
mine that, O bestower of honor, happens to be disseveraA
from Bharata, or thyself, or Satrughna. I think BhanM-

' A rODHYA KA NDA M. 447

ttached unto his brothers had come to Ayodhyl ; and then,
allowing the morality regulating the race, that one dearer
nto me than life^ hearing of me banished, bearing matted
kVs' and bark, 'together with J5naki, O hero, and thyself,
bou foremost of men, has, with his heart surcharged with
ffection, and his senses overwhelmed by grief, come hither
)r seeing us. He cannot have come on any other account.
Ind having got wroth with Kaikeyi, and given her rough
peech, that auspicious one, having gratified my sire, has come
ither to make the kingdom over unto me. And the season
leing fit; meet it is that Bharata should see us. He doQS
lOt even in thought act against us. Hath ere this Bharata
lone thee any bad turn ? Or did he tell thee any thing so
iarming that today thou standest in fear of him ? Certainly
hou ought not to say cruel or unpleasant words in relation
o Bharata, — if wrong be done unto Bharata, I shall consider
nyself as wronged. Do sons, in times of peril, ever slay
heir father, or brothers their brother like unto their life,
3 son of Sumitra ? If thou speakest thus for the sake of
he monarchy, on seeing Bharata, I will say unto him, 'Make
>vcr the kingdom unto this one.' Earnestly exhorted by me,
^ying, *Do thou place the kingdom in his hands', — he
V9\\\ say, 'Very weir."

Thus addressed by his brother of a virtuous disposition,
Lakshmana ever engaged in Rama's good, from shame
leemed to enter into his body. And hearing those words,
Lakshmana affected by shame, answered, '4 conceive our
ather Da9aratha himself hath come to see you.'' And finding
^shmana overcome with shame, Righava replied, ''I
Unk that mighty-armed one has come hither to see us ; or
take it for certain that, considering that we are fit for ease
nly, and taking our banishment to heart, he will take us
lome. Or it may be that graceful descendant of Raghu, my
ather, will go away, taking from the forest Videha's daughter
wrought up in the lap of luxury. There are seen these grace-

448 RAMA TANA.

ful and well-bred steeds, courageous, swift, and furnished
with the speed of the wind-— the best of horses. And this
huge elephant belonging to our aged sire, named Satmnjajti
proceedeth in the van of the army. But, thou exalted ooc^
I do not see the splendid white umbrella of our father kBom
among men. Therefore, doubts arise in my mind. Do thoi
descend from the top of the tree, O Lakshmana. Do mj
bidding/' Thus did the righteous R&ma accost Sumibi'i
son. Descending from the top of the Sdla tree, that conquerer
in battles, Lakshmana, stood by R&ma with joined hands.
Commanded by Bharata, '^Let not (RAma's asylum) be tnui^
pled by the forces," the army took up its quarters at a distance
from the hill. And the Ikshw&ku host filled with depbaats
and steeds covering half a Yojana, encamped at the side of
the mountain. And keeping morality in their fore-froot,
and renouncing pride, the disciplined forces schooled bf
Bharata in view of pleasing that descendant of RaglMi
(R^ma\ stayed in Chitrakuta.

SECTION LXXXXVlll.

JtLaving stationed his troopsj that best of men, the
master, became anxious to go on foot to the K&kutstha honor-
ing his superiors. And the forces having with humility took
up the quarters assigned, Bharata addressed his brotfaCTi
Satrughna, saying, "O mild one, it behoves thee at once to
search this forest all round in company with a large body of
men as well as these NishSLdas. And let Guha himself W>
companied by a thousand of his kindred bearing in tbar
hands arrows and bows and scimitars, also search for the
K&kutstha in this forest. Accompanied by counsdlorSt c&^
zens, preceptors and twice-born ones, I will on foot lanfO
every direction. So long as I do not see Rlma, or the vaa^fittf

A YODHVA KA NDA M. 449

Lakshmana, or the highly exalted daughter of Videha, I shall
not attain peace of mind. And so long as I do not see that
face of his fair as the moon, with eyes expansive like lotuses,
I shall not attain peace of mind. Surely, Sumitra's son,
Lakshmana, who beholds Raima's countenance like the stain*
liess moon, with eyes resembling lotuses, and beaming in
effulgence, is blessed. So long as I do not take on my head
tiiose feet of my brother bearing royal marks, I shall not
attain peace of mind. So long as established in the king-
dom of his father and grandfather, that one worthy of the
monarchy is not sprinkled with the water of installation,
I shall not attain peace of mind. Blessed is Vaidehi, the
eminently virtuous daughter of Janaka, who followeth the
lord of'.this Earth bounded by the seas. And this Chitrakuta
is fortunate — this hill like unto the monarch of mountains—
in which resides Kllkutstha, like Kuvera in Nandana. And
blessed is this deep forest inhabited by ferocious animals,
where abideth the great king R5ma, the foremost of those
bearing arms." Having said this, that best of men, the
mighty-armed and highly energetic Bharata, on foot entered
the vast forest. And that best of speakers went over the
mountain-side through ranks of blossoming trees. Then
swiftly ascending a Sala on Chitrakuta, he descried the high
column of smoke belonging unto RSlma's asylum. Having
seen this, like one that has crossed over the ocean, the grace-
ful Bharata, concluding that RSma was there, rejoiced
exceedingly along with his friends. Having heard that
Rflma's asylum containing pious people lay in Chitrakuta, that
Ugh-souled one again stationing his forces, speedily went (in
that direction), accompanied by Guha.

450 "^ RAMA y ANA.

SECTION LXXXXIX.

Xx^ving quartered his forces, Bharata eager (to go to

Rama's place), went to see his brother, showiDg uato
Satru^hna the signs of RSima's abode being in the vicinitj.
And having desired Vasistha, saying, "Bring my motheis
without delay/' that one attached to his superiors went
before. And eager to see RSima even like Bharata himselft
Sumantra followed Bharata at a short distance. And as
Bharata passed on, he observed a neat cottage of leaves
stationed among the asylums of anchorets, furnished with
a portion having a wall with a door. And before the cottage,
Bharata saw fuel broken up, and flowers gathered. ~ And
he saw at places signs of Ku9a and bark set up on trees when
Rama and Lakshmana (Hrst) arrived at their asylum. And ia
that habitation, Bharata saw great heaps of dry dung of deer
and buffalos, gathered for preventing cold. As he proceeded,
the intelligent and mighty-armed Bharata with a cheerful
heart remarked* unto Satrughna and all the courtiers, "I
conceive, we have reached the tract that was mentioned by
Bharadw^ja. Hard by this spot, I fancy, is the river Mandi-
kini. On high are barks set up by Lakshmana. Haviog to
pass by the way at unusual hours, (Lakshmana) has marked
it with signs. On the side of the hill is the way by which
long-tusked elephants pass to and fro with vehemeoce,
roaring at each other. Here is seen the dense and daik
smoke of that which the anchorets are ever anxious to
preserve in the forest — fire. Even here shall I wkh a
delighted heart see that foremost of men, the noble Rlgbava
resembling a Maharshi, ever engaged in serving his supe*
riors." Then going to Chitrakuta, that descendant of RagfaOi
coming to the Mand&kini, said unto the men, "That fore*
most of men in all the world, the lord of all, coming into

A rODHTA KA NDAM. 451

seclusion, is in his yoga posture. O fie upon my birth
and my life! For me, having come by misfortune, and
renounced every comfort, the effulgent lord of men,
R&ghava, is dwelling in the woods. I shall be taxed
of men on the score. To-day (first) pacifying him, I will fall
A the feet of RSma as well as of Sita and Lakshmana.'*
Having thus bewailed, Da^aratha's son saw a splendid, charm-
ing, and holy dwelling in that forest, composed of leaves.
And Bharata beheld in RSma's habitation a sacred structure
made of leaves, covered with a profusion of Sdla^ palm, and
Af wakarna leaves ; spread with soft Ku^a, like a dais in a
sacrifice ; adorned with bows resembling the iris, plaited on
the back with gold, of mighty force, and capable of achieving
arduous feets and destroying foes ; and garnished with arrows
in quivers, seeming like the rays of the sun, with flaming
mouths,— like unto the Bhogavati with serpents ; and exceed-
ingly beautified with golden sheaths and scimitars and
shields spangled with gold and nice guana finger-fences deck-
ed with gold ; inaccessible unto foes like a lions's den unto
deer; and furnished with a spacious dais inclined on the
north-east, with a fire flaming on it. And looking around,
anon Bharata saw his superior RSlma seated in the cottage
bearing a head of matted locks, clad in a black deer-skin, and
having tattered cloth and bark for his garment. And he saw
Rftma seated like unto a flame — with leonine shoulders, mighty
arms, and eyes resembling lotuses — the righteous lord of this
world bounded by the seas — saw the mighty -armed one like
unto the eternal Brahm&, seated on a skin-seat on the ground
along with Sit2L and Lakshmana. And seeing him, overwhelm-
ed with grief and affliction, the righteous and graceful son of
Kaikeyi, Bharata, rushed (towards him). And soon as Bharata
saw RAma, he, exceedingly distressed,broke out into lamenta-
tions in words choked with sorrow. And incapable of holding
liimself in patience, he said, '^That elder brother of mine,
who (seated) in court should be surrounded by the subjects

452 AAMAVANA.

intent upon paying htm homage, is now surrounded by wild
deer. He that used to adorn his person with attire worth
many thousands (of things), engaged in observing morality,
is clad in deer-skin. Why doth he that always wore varie-
gated blossoms, RSlghava, beareth this burthen of matted
locks ? He who is worthy of acquiring religiou9 merit by
celebrating sacrifices according to the ordinance, is now
following morality by afflicting his person. How is the person
of that one whose body used to be daubed with costly sandalp
covered with dust ? It is for me that RSma, although deserv-
ing of comfort, has come by this misfortune. Wicked tliat I
am, fie upon my life despised of men !" Thus lamenting in
woful guise, with the lotus of his countenance covered with
sweat, Bharata coming at RSlma's feet, fell at them bewail-
ing. And inflamed with grief, the exceedingly powerful
prince Bharata, having in distress of spirit uttered, "O noble
one,'' again said nothing. And beholding the illustrious
RSma, Bharata with his utterance choked with emotion,
exclaimed, "O noble one," and was unable to say anything
further. Then Satrughna also weeping paid homage unto
the feet of RSima. And shedding tears, RSL ma embraced tbem
both. Then as in the sky, the Sun and the Moon meet with
Sukra and Vrihaslipati, those two princes (RSlma and Laksh*
mana) met with Sumantra and Guha in the forest. And
beholding those kings resembling leaders of elephant •heids
met together in that mighty forest, the dwellers in the woodSy
resigning their cheerfulness, began to shed tears.

SECTION C.

Xhen RSlma cast his eyes on (Bharata) as clad in baik
and wearing matted locks \\t lay on the earth with joined
hands, incapable of being gazed at, like the Sun at the time

-J

A VODHVAKANDAM. 453

of the universal dissolution. Then recognizing him a little,
he took by the hand his brother Bharata, lean, with a pallid
countenance. And smelling the crown of his head, and
embracing that descendant of Raghu, RiLma took Bharata on
his lap and asked him affectionately, * Where was thy father,
child, that thou hast come to the forest ? It certainly behoves
thee not to come unto the forest while he is living. Ah I I
see thee come from far after a long time. Why, my child,
hast thou come unto this gloomy forest ? Is the king
alive, my child, seeing that thou hast come hither j or, aflficted
with grief, hath he suddenly gone to the other world ? And,
O mild one, child that thou art, thy kingdom ever thine
hath not been wrested from thee ? And, O thou having
truth for prowess, dost thou, my child, minister unto our
sire ? And is that truthful one, that performer of Rijasuya
and A9wamedha, ever devoted to righteousness, king
Da9aratha, well f And, my child, is that exceedingly efful-
gent and learned BrSLhmana ever steady in morality, the
priest of the Ikshwilkus, duly honored ? And, my child, aie
Kau^alyS, and Sumitra having a son, in happiness ? And is
the noble Kaikeyi in spirits ? And is that one, sprung from
a mighty line, humble and versed in various lore, thy priest,
who performeth every ceremony, who beareth no ill will, and
whose gaze is ever fixed upon our welfare, — honored ? And
do intelligent and sincere people cognizant of the rules, look
after the sacrificial fire ? And do they regularly inform
thee of the proper seasons for performing the fire-sacrifice ?
A dost thou regard the deities, the ancestral manes, the
preceptors like unto predecessors, the physicians, the Br5h-
manas, and the servants? And dost not disregard the
preceptor SudhanwS versed in excellent arms whether in-
spired with mantras or not, and accomplished in the know-
ledge of polity ? And, my child, hast thou employed as thy
concillors, persons, heroic, learned, self-controlled, well-born,
and understanding signs, who are like thy own self ? O

454 RAMAVANA.

descendant of Ra^hu, counsel well kept by clever counciliora

vfsrsed in lore, is the root of victory with kings. And thoo

hast not come under the sway of sleep ? And thou awmkat

at the proper hour ? And dost thou during the short horns

revolve the means of acquiring wealth ? And thou dost not

take counsel either with thyself alone, or (on the other hand)

with a multiplicity of counsellors ? And thy counsel doth

not range the kingdom (i. e. doth not take air) ? And|

O descendant of Raghu, having determined upon a coarse

costing small effort but fraught with a mighty resulti thoa

setst about it sharply and delayest not? And do the

(auxiliary) kings know only those acts of thine that hare

been accomplished or those that are well nigh so, and not

those that thou intendest to set thine hand to ? And do

others through inference or appearances come at a knosr-

ledge of thy counsels, although undivulgedto others by thjfself

or thy counsellors ; and (do thou and thy ministers) attain

to a knowledge of others' counsels ? And passing by a

thousand dunces, dost thou set thy heart on having a single

wise man ? In times of pecuniary stress, a wise man standi

in excellent stead. And although a king might be surrounded

by a thousand or ten thousand fools, yet he can count upon

no assistance (at their hands). And a single able counselloTi

intelligent, heroic, and sagacious, bringeth great prosperitf

upon a king or a prince. And, my child, dost thou emply the

best servants upon the best offices, the middling npov

middling, and the worst upon the worst ? And dost thoa

employ upon the most worthy offices counsellors who aoe

above bribery, who have served thy father and grand-fatheTp

and who are pure ? And do the subjects visited with

condign punishment, as well as the ministers, disregard thcc,

O son of Kaikeyi ? And do the priests scorn thee like a

fallen one, even as females do those lascivious (oika iriMI

use force towards the former ? He that doth not day a

physician skilled in ways and pieans, a servant giren la

■ ^ '..Mi

A rODHVA KANDA 31. 45 5

enlisting the sympathies of his fellow-servants against his
master, or a hero that covets riches, is slain (by them). And
hast thou chosen for thy general one that is confident,
is endowed with intelligence and fortitude, sprung in
a respectable race, and attached and able ? And dost
thou practically honor thy foremost warriors possessed
of prowess, who have already given evidence of their
manliness ? And dost thou at the proper time grant thy
soldiers what thou shouldst — provision and pay ; and dost not
delay^in doing this ? If the proper time for granting provision
and pay be passed, the servants get wroth with their master
and tax him ; and great is the evil that springs herefrom.
And are the principal descendants of our race attached unto
thee ; and are they, when enlisted on thy side with concen-
trated minds, ready to lay down their lives ? And, O Bha-
rata, are thy spies persons coming from the provinces, and
learned, upright, endowed with presence of mind, represent-
ing the truth, and possessed of wisdom ? And dost thou
acquire intelligence of the expedients, eighteen* in respect
of others, and fifteen in respect of thy own self, — by means
of every three spies appointed in connection with each
Df these expedients — men quite ignorant of each other's
counsels ? And dost thou not contemn those weak ones
thaty O destroyer of thy foes, having been expelled, have come
again (unto thee) ? And, my child, thou dost not minister unto
atheistical Brihmanas ? These childish persons proud of their
learning are only fit for bringing evils upon others. While
there are excellent scriptures, these people of subtle in-
tellects, having acquired a knowledge of dialectics, speak

* I Minister. 2 Priest. 3 Heir-apparent. 4 General. 5 Warder. 6 Gate-
ht&pm of the inner-apartment. 7 Jailor. 8 Treasurer. 9 Conveyer of the
rojfal orders. 10 Pleaders. 11 Judges. 12 Members of the council. 13 Dis-
of pay and provision to the army. 14 Journeymen. 15 Justice of the
16 Protector of the frontiers of the kingdom. 17 Magistrate.
it Gtiardfl of rivers, hills, forests, and fortresses.

456 RAM AY AN A.

vanities. And, my child, dost thou protect the prosperous
and renowned Ayodhyi, inhabited formerly by our heroic
predecessors ; bearing a true name ; having strong gates ; filled
with elephants, steeds, and cars ; thronged by thousands ; with
noble Br§hmanas, Kshatriyas and Vai9yas breathing high
spirits, and with their senses controlled, each engaged in his
own task ; abounding in people learned in the Veda ; and
surrounded with palatial mansions of various shapes? And,
O descendant of Raghu, are the flourishing provinces marked
with hundreds of Chaityas, filled with prosperous people^
graced with abodes of deities, places for distributing wateTt
and tanks, with men and women in happy mood, gay with
meetings and festivities, having their outskirts well furrowed,
provided with beasts, void of ill feelings, depending on tanks
for their water supply, charming, renounced by fierce animals^
free from all kinds o( fear, decked with mines, left by un-
righteous people, and well governed by my predecessorsi— •
having a good time of it ? And do agriculturists and cow-
herds find favor in thy sight? And remaining in their
respective vocations, do they enjoy happiness ? And dost
thou maintain them by securing unto them what they wish for
and removing from them what they wish away ? All the
dwellers in his dominions should be protected by the king.
And dost thou conciliate the females ; and are they well
protected by thee ? And dost thou not regard them ; and
dost thou not open unto them thy mind ? And are the woods
where elephants breed, kept by thee; and hast thou kine?
And dost thou not foster mares and female-elephants?
And dost thou show thyself daily in the court, well robed?
And rising in the morning, dost thou show thyself in the
high -ways ? And do thy servants boldly present tkcBiH
selves before thee ; or do they all keep away ? A middle
course contributes to their good fortune. And are all tte
forts furnished with wealth, corn, arms, wateri
artizans, and bowmen ? And are thy incomings great

r- * . .

A TODHYAKANDAM. 457

outgoing slender ? And, O Raghu's descendant, thou dost
not give away thy coifers unto the undeserving ? And dost
thou spend thy wealth in the interests of the deities, or the
fitris^ or the BrSLhmanas who have come unto thee, or war-
riorSi or friends ? If any respectable, pure-spirited ai\d clean
person happen to be accused by some one of theft or other
crimes, dost thou from covetuousness punish him without first
having him tried by persons versed in scripture ? And, O best
of men, is a thief, that hath been caught, interrogated (as to his
guilt), and found with the stolen property on his person, set
free (by thy men) from motives of gain ? And do thy coun-
sellors, O descendant of Raghu, accomplished in various lore^
uninfluenced by greed, consider the conduct of both the rich
and the poor involved in peril ? O son of the Raghu race,
the tears of those who have been falsely charged with any
offence, (and who have failed to obtain justice), dropping,
destroy the sons as well as the beasts of the ruler that minds
his own comfort only. And dost thou with these three — gifts,
mind and word — ^try to win over aged people, boys,
physicians, and the principal ones ? And dost thou salute
spiritual preceptors, aged persons, ascetics, gods, guests,
Chaityas, emancipated ones, and BrSlhmanas ? And thou dost
not oppose righteousness by interest, or interest by virtue,
or both by desire, intent on gratifying the senses ? And, O
foremost of conquerors, dost thou, O thou cognisant of
time, in season resorting to interest, desire, and virtue res-
pectively, attain them, O bestower of boons ? And do
Bifthmanas versed in all religious lore and knowing interest,
together with the citizens and the inhabitants of the pro-
vinces wish for thy happiness, O highly wise one ? Atheism,
untruthfulness, inattention, anger, procrastination, compa-
nionship with evil persons, indolence, gratification of the
senses, consultation with a single person concerning the
needs of a kingdom, taking counsel with those that are
cognisant of evils alone, omission to take in hand a task

458 RAMAVANA.

that hath been decided upon, divulgence of counselt non-
commencement of a course in the morning, and march*
ing against all the foes at one and the same time, —
hast thou eschewed these ten and four faults? And, O
descendant of Raghu, truly understanding the tenth,* fifth,t
fourth:^ and seventh$ classes as well as the eighth,|| and third
ones,1| and the three kinds of learning,** and victory over
the senses, and the evils human and superhuman, six
attributes,tt and the (peculiar) duties (of royalty), and
the twenty classes, Jf and the kinds of Prakritis^^ and
Mandala,|||| and YatrSi,^^ chastisement, and war and peace
having each two sources ; dost thou with due order observe all
these ? And^ O wise one, dost thou, as laid down in the ordi-
nance, take counsel, severally and in a body with three or four
men ? And dosL thou observe the Vedas ? And dost thou per-
ceive the fruit of thy acts ? And have thy wives borne children ?
And has thy knowledge of scripture borne fruit ? And, 0
descendant of Raghu, is thy intellect going the way that I
have indicated above ? This course is conducive to long life,
and fame ; and virtue, desire and interest. And, O child, art

* Hunting, gambling, sleeping in the day, calumny, addictioo to
wine, dancing, singing, playing, and roving without purpMe.*-T.

t Five kinds of fortresses. — T.

X Four kinds of means adopted for the governing and maiotaiaiiif il
a kingdom. — T.

S Seven pillars of a kingdom including the sovereign, connsellon ftc.— T.

H Eight kinds of manifestation of anger. — T.

5F Interest, desire and virtue. — T.

•* The Vedas ; agriculture and commerce &c. politics. — T.

tt Peace, war. marching, halting, sowing dissensions, seeking prol»
tion.— T.

XX Twenty classes of men with whom peace should not be contracted.— T,

%% These Bvc arc called Prakriiis, — minister, treasure, tenritory,
chastisement.— T.

mi Twelve classes of kings, who are ready to enter into atnatj,
war or continue in a state of indifference.

i^ A fivefold marching out for war.

I j«*

-r^,-'

A rODHYARANDAM, 459

thou following the course that was followed by our ancestors ?
And art thou maintaining the conduct that is excellent and
passes along pious ways ? And, O son of Raghu, thou dost
not alone partake of sapid meats thyself alone ? And dost
thou share them with those friends who expect it ? The
learned king ruling (all) righteously — that chastiser of the
subjects — ^the monarch attaining duly the entire earth, going
away from hence, acquires the celestial regions."

SECTION CI.

.nowing Bharata as devoted to his superior R3ma
along with his brother Lakshmana, asked him, 'What
for is this (visit of thine unto the woods) ? I wish to hear
as clearly related by thee the reason why clad in blackdeer-
skin and wearing matted locks, thou, leaving thy kingdom,
hast come to these regions. It behoveth thee to tell me all
this." Thus accosted by the high-souled Ktkutstha, Kaikeyi's
son, suppressing his grief by a strong effort, with joined
hands said, "O noble one, forsaking us all, our father possess-
ed of mighty arms, having performed this terrible task, in
consequence of being urged by a woman, my mother Kaikeyi,
hath gone to heaven afflicted with grief on account of his
son, O repressor of foes. And she hath committed a signal
sin capable of destroying her fame. And without obtaining
the kingdom which she had coveted as the fruit of her
action, a widow tried with grief, my mother will fall into a
terrible hell. Now it behoves thee to extend thy favor unto
me who have become thy slave. Do thou this very day get
thyself installed in the kingdom, like unto Indra himself.
All these subjects and our widowed mothers have come
unto thee. It behoves thee to show thy favor unto them.
act the first-bom ; and meet it is that thou shouldst get

46o RAMA FAN A. *

thyself installed, O bestower of honor. Therefore do thoa
receive the kingdom righteously and fulfil the desire of thy
friends. And like the autumnal Night on having the un-
clouded moon, let the entire Earth cease to be a widow on
having thee, her lord. With bent head I beseech thee along
with these counsellors. It behoves thee to show thy favor unto
thy brother, disciple, and slave. Therefore, O chief of men,
thou ought not to pass by this honored band of ancestml
ministers, who have always been serving this race." Having
said this, with tears flooding his eyes, the mighty-armed son
of Kaikeyi, Bharata, again took Rlma's feet on his head.
Thereupon Rlma embracing his brother Bharata resembling
a mad elephant, and sighing again and again, said, "Of a
high race, possessed of strength, endowed with energy, and
vowed unto sterling worth of character, how can one like
me commit sin for the sake of dominion ? Fault find I none
ever so small in thee, thou destroyer of foes. Nor doth it
become thee from puerility to tax thy mother, O ezceedinglj
wise one, O thou that art sinless, superiors may act as they
list in relation to those wives and sons of theirs that are after
their heart. And this also thou shouldst learn that wives,
sons and disciples should always be obedient as has been
held by the emancipated ones. O mild one, the monarch
is competent to make me stay in the woods clad in black
deer-skin, as to establish roe in the monarchy. And, O tbon
conversant with morality, O foremost of those observing
righteousness, in respect of virtuous conduct, a mother shonld
be as much regarded (by a son) as a father is. How can I,
O descendant of Raghu, having been told by my righteons
father and mother — *Go to the woods' — act otherwise? Then
ought to receive the kingdom, Ayodhy2L, honored of men ;
and I ought to dwell in Dandaka dressed in bark. Having
made this division of duties in the presence of aU| and
enjoined this, the mighty monarch, Da^aratha, bath
heaven. That superior of all, even the virtuous kingp is Ifegf

ti-fc •;■

AYODHTAKANDAM. 461

evidence. It behoves thee to enjoy that which hath been
jMsigned unto thee by thy sire. And, O mild one, taking
refuge in the forest of Dandaka for fourteen years, I will act
the part that hath been set apart for me by my magrnanimous
father. What hath been assigned to me by that one respected
by all men, my high-souled father resembling the lord of
celestials himself, is my prime good ; the masterdom of all
the worlds I would decline (should it be opposed to the will
of my sire)."

SECTION oil.

H earing Rima's words, Bharata answered, "Deprived
of the kingdom in consequence of my posteriority in point of
birth, what doth regard for morality avail me ? O best of men,
even this morality has ever been established with reference
to us, viz., that the eldest son of the king existing, a younger
one cannot be the king. Do thou, therefore, O RSghava go
along with me to the prosperous AyodhySL ; and get thyself
installed there for the behoof of our race. Although a king
observing interest and virtue, and who towers above average
bnmanity, hath been called a mortal, yet to me he is a very
deity. While I was in Kekaya and thou wast in the forest,
that intelligent monarch honored of the good, given to cele-
brating sacrifices, ascended heaven. As soon as thou hadst
set out (for the forest) along with SiUL and Lakshmana, the
king borne down by grief and chagrin, went to heaven. O
foremost of men, do thou arise, and oifer water unto the
spirit of our sire. Satrughna and I have ere this offered
water unto (the departed). O Righava, anything offered
unto the (manes of the) ancestors by a beloved descendant,
conduces to their eternal behoof \ aud thou wast the favorite

462 RAM AY AN A.

of our father. Mourning thee and exceedingly desiroas of
seeing thee, his mind being fastened on thee and incapable
of being turned away, deprived of thee, and smitten with
grief on thy account, thy father departed this life, remembcP'
ing thee."

SECTION cm.

JLLearing those piteous words uttered by Bharata in
connection with the demise of their father, Rftghava was
deprived of his senses. And on that thunder-bolt of a speech
being uttered by Bharata, like unto a (real) thunder*bolt
hurled in battle by the enemy of the D&navas (Indra), that
subduer of foes, Rama, stretching his arms, fell down to the
earth, like a blossoming tree that hath been hewn by an axe.
Seeing that lord of the world and mighty bowman, R&ma,
fallen, like a sleeping elephant fatigued with turning up earth
with its tusks, his brothers exercised with sorrow, broke out
into lamentations^ and along with Videha's daughter began
to sprinkle water (on his face). Then regaining his conscious-
ness, KSikutstha shedding tears from his eyes, distressfully
addressed himself to speech. And hearing that loid
of earth, his sire, had gone to heaven, that righteous one
said unto Bharata words fraught with virtue and intecest,
"What shall I do with Ayodhy2L, my sire having gone the
way ordained by the gods ? And who will govern heTi
now that she hath been deprived of that foremost of mon^
archs ? Of fruitless birth that I am, what can I do for thai
magnanimous one ? And of him that renounced his Kla
from grief on nry account. I have not even performed the
last rites. Ah ! Bharata, thou, O sinless onep. ail hlcaied^
since by thee as well as by Satrughna have been perfbnHii
all the funeral rites of the king. To Ayodhyl, bereft oC Ihn

1^^

.-. ^ I ■

A VODHVAKAITDAM. 463

inonarch, having none to preside over her destinies, and
many rulers, will I not return even when the term of my
abode in the woods has been passed. My father having gone
to the other world, who, O subduer of enemies, will again
counsel me when, my stay in the forest being over, I shall have
returned unto Ayodhyi? And from whom shall I hear
those words grateful unto the ear, which my father gratifying
me used to speak unto me when I happend to do something
well ?" Having thus addressed Bharata, Raghava burning
in grief, spoke unto his wife, with her countenance resembling
the full moon, saying, '*0 Sita, thy father-in-law is dead
and, O Lakshmana, thou art fatherless. Bharata has com-
municated unto me the sad intelligence that our father hath
ascended heaven." When Kakutstha had said this, tears
began to shower forth from the eyes of the renowned princes.
Then all those brothers pacifying as best they could R^ma
stricken with sorrow, said unto him, *'Do thou perform the
watery rites of that lord of the earth, our sire." Having
heard that her father-in-law, the king, had gone to the
celestial regions. Sitsl with her eyes filled with tears, could
not see her beloved. Thereupon, pacifying the weeping
daughter of Janaka, Rama moved with grief, spoke unto the
distressed Lakshmana, saying, "Do thou bring Ingudi fruits
as well as a piece of new bark. I will go to perform the
watery rites of our high-souled sire. Let SitS go first. Do
thou follow her. I shall go last. Even this is the course
of those in mourning." Then that magnanimous one, having
a knowledge of the soul, mild, graceful, capable of controlling
his senses, steady in his regard for Rama, and ever following
him— Sumantra — in company with those sons of the king,
having cheered up Raghava, brought him to the auspi-
cious river, Mandikini. Then those illustrious ones, having
in distress arrived at the river MandSLkini, having convenient
descents, charming, ever furnished with blossoming woods,
4nd of rapid currents ; and approached its descents, goodly

464 RAMAFANA.

and void of mud, offered water unto the monarclii uttering^
''May this be so !" And the protector of the earth (R)ma),
holding^ water with his joined hands, facing; the southp said
weeping, *'0 foremost of monarchsy may this clear water
knowing no deterioration, reach thee, who hast gone to the
world of the ancestral manes I" Then drawing nigh unto
the marge of the MandSikini, the energetic Rftghava along
with his brothers, offered the Pinda unto his father. And
placing the Ingudi Pinda mixed with juyube on a bed of
darvbhUy Rama crying in distress, said, ''O mighty monarchy
do thou well pleased feed on this, which we also live upon.
That which is the fare of an individual, is also the fare of
his divinities." Then that foremost of men ascending the
bank of the stream by the self-same way, got up on the
charming side of the hill. And having arrived at the gate of
the cottage of leaves, that lord of the earth held both
Bharata and Lakshmana with his hands. And there the hill
reverberated at the sounds raised by the brothers wailing
along with Vaidehi, like unto lions roaring. And perceiv-
iiig the loud uproar of those mighty ones engaged in offerii^
water unto their sire, indulging in lamentations, the army of
Bharata became agitated. And they said, "For certain
Bharata hath met with RSima ; and this mighty noise proceeds
from them, as they are bitterly mourning their
sire/' Thereat leaving aside their vehicles, they with
mind, rushed towards the spot wherefrom proceeded the m^.
roar. And of those that were tender, some went on horws^
and some on elephants, and some on ornamented chariotii
while others went on foot. And eager to behold R&mn stay*
ing away for a short time, though seeming to do so for along
period, all the men at once went to the hermitage. And
desirous of witnessing the meeting of the brothers (wift
R&ma), they with all despatch proceeded by means of Tirioni
vehicles consisting of beasts and cars. And t' ^noond t9li»i
den by the wheels of innumerable cars, emitti »ud

ATOBSTAKAKDAM. 4^5

lihe those emitted l>y the sky on clouds gathering.
'Aad frigfatened l^ the uproar, elephants accompanied by
•iwDtle ones, perfuming all sides (by the fragrance of tem-
poral juice), went to another forest. And boars, and deer,
and lions, and buffalos, and Srimaras, and tigers, and
Gaiartus, Gaysls and Prishatas were striken with panic. And
wild with alarm, Chakrav&kas and swans, and Natyukas,
•ltd Plttvas, and Karandavas, and male coels, and Kraunchas,
Bed away in all directions. And the welkin was enveloped
bjr birds frightened by the noise, as the earth was covered by
neCf and both the sky and the land then gave out great effuU
^nce. As the people suddenly saw that foremost of men,
tiie sinless and illustrious Rima seated on the ground,
accusing Kaikeyi as well as the vile MantharS, the people
^proached RSma, with their countenances discovering
tears. Seeing those men oppressed with grief with their
Cyea filled with tears, that one cognizant of virtue like fathers
■ad mothers, embraced those that deserved it And he
embraced some persons ; and some offered him salutations.
And the king's son, as each deserved, properly received them
dong with their friends and equals in age. And the sounds,
produced by those high souled persons lamenting, resound-
ing the earth and the sky, and the mountain<caverns, and
all the cardinal points, were heard like peals of A/rid-

SECTION CIV.

\ lesirous of seeing RSma, Vasishtha, taking before him
. of Da^aratha, proceeded towards the hermitage.
And as the wives of the king were going slowly by the
Mand&kini, they discovered the landing-place which was
used by fUlma and Lakshmana. Thereupon Kau9alyft, with
59

466 RAMA FAN A.

her eyes filled with tears and her countenance rendered paid,
observed unto the forlorn Sumitri as well as the other wives
of the king, **Sacred like unto a first wife, in this forest this
is the landing-place of those unfortunate ones of untiring
energy, who had been deprived of the kingdom. From here,
O Sumitra, doth thy son, Saumitri, ever vigilant, personally
procure water for my son. Although thy son performeth a
servile office, yet he is not to blame : (the performance of) that
alone which serves no purpose of his brother possessed of
many perfections, could bring blame upon him. To day let thy
son, who doth not deserve such toilsome work, cease to per-
form that office which is fraught with hardships fit only for the
base/' That lady of expansive eyes happened to see on the
earth the In^ndi pinda^ which had been placed by R&ma
for his sire on the darbha with their tops pointing south-
wards. Seeing this, which had been placed on the ground bj
Rama disconsolate for his sire, the noble Kau^alyft addressed
all the wives of Da^aratha, saying, "Do ye behold this that
hath been duly offered to the high-souled descendant of
Raghu — lord of the Ikshvaku race — by R&ghava. I do not
deem this as fit fare for that magnanimous monarch resem-
bling a celestial, who had enjoyed every luxury (in life). Hav*
ing enjoyed this earth bounded by the four seas, how can that
lord of the world, resembling on earth the mighty IndrSi
feed on this Ingudi pinda ? Nothing appeareth to me more
deplorable in this world than this that the auspicious Rftma
hath oflered an Ingudi cake unto his father. Seeing the /iifiMft*
pinda oflered by Rama unto his father, why doth not my
heart break into a thousand shivers ? Now the tradition
in vogue among men, appearth to be true, viz., that "the fare
that is partaken by a person, is also partaken by his deity."
Then those that were co-wives with her, consoled the dis-
tressed Kau^^alyi ; and, (entering the asylum), beheld RAma
like an immortal dropped from the celestial regions. Seeing
RiLma, who had been deprived of every comfort, his mothers^

J. VODBVAKANDAM. 467

led mth ffrief and distress, began to shed tears,

IkamttDg. Raising his mothers, that foremost of men,

Rlnu, trae to his promise, took hold of those lotus feet of

fltein. And those ones furnished with expansive eyes, (on

. tbeir torn) by means of their fair hands of delicious feel

, fbniuhedwith soft fingers and palmSjfell to rubbing the dust off

, Rlnu's t>ack. After Rima had done, SumitrS's son also, seeing

Y all his mothers, with sorrow gently paid his reverence unto

I dwm with affection. Thereat, as they had treated R&ma,a]lthe

' ladies treated that one sprung from Dagaratha, Lakshmana,

j graced with auspicious marks. Sita. also with her eyes filled

with tears, having taken hold of the feet of her mothers-ia-

; Inr, stood before them in distressful guise. Embracing that

.' ttoefut one in banishment, even as a mother doth her daughter,

KanfalyA) smitten with grief, said, "The daughter of Videha's

Kiilgi and the daughter-in-law of Da9artha, and the wife of

lUma himself — why doth such a lady undergo misery in the

lone forest ? O Vatdehi, beholding thy face like unto a lotus

heated under the sun, or a lily that hath been crushed, or

L ^e unto gold covered with dust, or the moon enveloped by

; clouds, grief begot of this vortex of disaster that is in my

f .Biiiid, fiercely burneth me, as fire consumeth a structure." As

wretched mother was thus speaking, Bharata's elder

]kMber« RSghava, approaching, took the feet of Vasishtha.

Hknng taken hold of the feet of the priest resembling a

4faflMt &■*<! <^ accumulated energy, — like unto that lord of the

'InbOTtais, Indra, taking the feet of Vrthaspati, R3ghava sat

with him. Then behind them (RSma and Vasishtha),

with his own counsellors, and principal citizens, and

, and persons of eminent piety,— sat the virtuous

in the presence of his elder brother. Seeing RSgha-

]l|i^lilthe guise of an ascetic, flaming in grace, the exceed-

powerful Bharata with joined palms sat down in com-

itb bis brother, like the great Indra of controlled

ia presence of Prajapiti. "What will Bharata, having

468 RAMA r ANA.

bowed unto R&ghava and paid him homage, will say to him V^^
this intense curiosity arose in (the minds of) all the boUc
persons present there. And RSghava having truth and for-
bearance, and Laksmana endowed with magnanimity, and
Bharata possessed of righteousness, surrounded by tbeir
friends^ appeared (there) like unto the three fires surrounded
by Sadasyas.

SECTION CV.

.ixs those foremost of persons surrounded by tbeir friends
indulged in lamentations, the night passed away in grief.
On the night being succeeded by an auspicious morning,
those brothers surrounded by their friends, having performed
Homa and Jap a on the Mand&kini, returned unto Rima.
And sitting silent^ no one said anything. Then Kiantm
addressed RSLma in the midst of those friends, saying, ''Mj
mother was (first) pacified (by grant of the kingdom.)
The kingdom is (now) mine. I grant the same unto thee.
Do thou enjoy the kingdom rid of its thorns. Like nnto a
dyke forced by a torrent during the rains, this miglitj
monarchy is difficult of being protected save by thee. As a
mule is incapable of imitating the course of a horse^ or a»
birds, that of Tarkshya, I, O Lord of earth, lack the strength
to imitate thee. O R§ma, ever happy is the life of him that-
others depend upon for subsistence : unhappy is the life ole.*
the person that depends upon others for support. As a tieC
planted by a person, and by him made to increase, (until it
last), sending out branches, a mighty tree, it is inripa
ble of being got up by a dwarf ; and then, if, flowerings Ife
show no fruits, it cannot contribute to the

-. /'

!?*"': 'r/' ..

AYODHJAKAltDAM. 469

faction of htm for whom it hath been planted. O mighty-
armed one, this comparison is meant for thee. This*^ it
behoves thee to apprehend, inasmuch as thou art our excel-
lent lord, and thou dost not teach us who depend upon thee
for support Let the principal orders, O monarch, behold
thee, represser of foes — established in the kingdom, like the
powerful sun himself. O K&kustha, let mad elephants roar,
with the view of following thee ; and let the women of the
inner apartments with concentrated minds utter jubilation.''
On hearing the words of Bharata, who was beseeching Rlma,
many of the citizens expressed their approbation by exclaim-
ing, ''Excellent well!" Seeing the illustrious Bharata
aggrieved and engaged in lamentation, the calm and consider-
ate R&ma consoled him, saying, ''No creature is endowed
wth the power of exercising any control over the course of
events, — man has no independent status (in nature). The
Destoyer draws him both here and hereafter. Those that in-
crease, are destined to deteriorate ; those that go upward,
nltimately fall, those that come together, separate in the end ;
and life at length meets with death. As a ripe fruit hath no
other fear than fall, so man who is born, hath no other fear
than death. Even as a stout-pillared edifice, getting dilapidat-
edywaxes weak, so men coming under the sway of decrepitude
and death, get enfeebled. A night that hath gone by, doth
not return, as the full JamunSL, when she hath entered the
ocean, doth not come back. In this world, days and nights
pass away with creatures, and speedily impair their lives,
even as in summer the rays (of the sun) (dry up) the
waters. Do thou therefore deplore thyself. Why dost thou
lament any thing else ? Every one's life is decreasing, whether
he sits or moves. Death goeth with one, sitteth down
with one, and, after having gone a long way, returneth with
one. The person is filled with folds in the skin, the hair
hath grown hoary, the individual is enfeebled because of age, —

♦ Tht import of the imagt.'^T,

470 RAMiriNA.

by doing what, can he prevent this f People rqotce on the
rising of the sun ; they feel delighted at the approach of
night, — but they do not understand that their lives have
(meanwhile) been shortened. People are exhilarated at the
commencement of a new season in novel fashion ; creatures
get their lives shortened at the change of seasons. As on
the mighty ocean, one piece of wood comes in contact
with another ; so, a person, having been in association with
another, is seperated from him in time. In this way,
wives and sons and kindred and wealth, having been in
association, go away ; their separation is certain. There
exists not one in this world that can change one's nature as
received. A person lamenting a dead individual, hath no
power to prevent his own death. As. while one is proceed*
ing OR a road, another stationed by the way, says,
^I too will go in thy wake', even so, the way that hath
been followed by our predecessors, (must be followed as
well by us.) Why should people mourn (for deceased re-
latives), when they are themselves subject to the fate that
knoweth no turning ? (Perceiving the destruction of) life
declining, like unto a current that never turneth back, one
should engage his soul in happiness ; for all men are said to
be born for the same. My child, our righteous sire, who,
after having performed excellent and entire sacrifices,
accompanied with dakshinas^ hath repaired to heaven,
honored of the good, should not be mourned.^ Having re^
nounced his human frame wasted and worn out with

* The N. W. P. text has seven additional lines here» wantiiif in the other
texts : — "That lord of the earth, our father Dasaratha, hath goae to Immm.
On account of having adequately maintained his servants and gorenwrf Us
subjects, and virtuously given away wealth, our sire hath gone to Imavm.
And by virtue of supremely excellent and desirable acts, and sacrtfioei aeeoai*
panicd with dakshinas, that master of this world, our father Daiantka, haA
ascended heaven. And having celebrated many sacri6ces and eajojod
uries, that lord of the earth, having attained a goodly afe, hath
heaven."— T.

1" •

ArODHFAKANDAM. 471

, our ' father hath attained celestial state, which ex*
itts in the regions of BrahmSl. Such an one should
never be mourned by any wise person like thee or my-
setfy accomplished in learning and more than ordinarily
intelligent. Such manifold grief and mourning and lamenta*
tion should be renounced by intelligent and firm per*
sons in all conditions in life. Do thou cast off this grief:
let not sorrow overpower thee. Going thither, stay ;;in that
city. And, O best of speakers, this was also enjoined by
our sire of controlled senses. I also must do my noble
father's will as to whatever that one of pious acts has laid
npon me. O subduer of foes^ it is not proper for me to pass
by his orders. So thay are also worthy of being honored by
thee. He is our friend and father. O descendant of Raghu,
that mandate of our righteous father, acceptable unto me,
will I obey by abiding in the woods. O foremost of men,
(good in) the next world is capable of being attained by an
I honest and pious person crowned with sterling virtues,
ever following his superiors. O best of men, thinking that
our father Da^aratha has attained excellent state, do thou,
resorting to all noble qualities, seek thy welfare in the next
world." Having said these significant words unto his younger
brother, with the view of making him obey the injunctions
of their father, that lord, the magnanimous R^ma, paused.

SECTION CVI,

oia

'n R&ma having stopped after speaking these pregnant
words, the virtuous Bharata addressed the righteous Rama
attached unto his subjects in an excellent speech on the banks
of the Mandakini, saying, "O vanquisher of foes, who is there
in this world like unto thee ? Pain doth not afflict thee.

472 RAM A FAN A.

nor doth pleasure exhilarate. Thyself the exemplar of
aged people, thou referrest to them on doubtful poiats
(of morality). 'Living like unto dead and existing like
unto non-existing^ — what shall make a person that hath
attained this intellectual state, grieve ? O lord of meni he
that like unto thee understands the nature of the soul and
its environment coming by any calamity, ought not to
despond. Thou resemblest, O RSghava, the gpA in
strength, and art magnanimous, and truthful in promisCi
and knowest every thing and art endued with intelligencei
Calamity, however unbearable it may be, should not
overpower a person like thyself furnished with such virtues
and cognizant of life and death. The sin that in my absence
from home hath been perpetrated by my mean-minded
mother doth not find favor in my sight. Be thou therefore
propitous to me. I am bound by the fetters of religion. For
this it is that I do not by a severe penalty slay my wicked
mother deserving of chastisement. How having sprung
from Da9aratha of righteons deeds and born of immaculate
race, and knowing virtue and vice, can I commit such a re*
prehcnsiblc action ? Da^aratha is our superior, of meritori-
ous acts, aged our king, a departed spirit, and our father, it
is on account of this that I do not censure our father
who is a deity unto us. O cognizant of virtue, what virtuous
person conversant in morality, should, seeking the pleasure
of his wife, commit such a sinful act devoid of both righteous*
ness and interest? 'Creatures, as their end approacheSi
lose their sense' this ancient adage has been illustrated in
the world by the course the king has taken. Do thou, intent
upon bringing about good, redeem the wrong that hath been
done by our sire through anger, ignorance and recklessness.
The son that repaireth the wrong done by his father bj
acting contrary to the latter is in this world consijend
really a son ; but not he that acteth otherwise. Be thou tiksl
(real) son (of the monarch). Do thou not approi e the

t ,

f ■

A YODHYAKANDAhL 473

■

<tf thy father, since what he has done is divorced from right*
cousness and is blameworthy. Do thou rescue all these —
Kaikeyi, myself, my father, our friends and adherents,
and the whole body of the citizens as well as the inhabit*
ants of the provinces. Where is the forest ? And where
b Kshatriya morality ? Where are matted locks ? And where
is thy government of the country ? It behoves thee not
to act in such an untoward way. Even this is the first
duty of a Kshatriya, viz. , — getting oneself installed, — by
means of which, O highly wise one, he can compass the
government of the people. What base Kshatriya setting
aside this indubitable morality, resorts to a dubious and
inaupicious course, which should be followed by the old
alone f But if thou be bent upon practising this austere
morality, do thou undergo this trouble, after having righteously
ruled the four orders. O thou cognizant of morality, those
versed in duty say that 6f the four modes of life, the life
<rf.the householder is the foremost. Why then dost thou
wish to renounce the same ? I am inferior to thee in learning,
in position, and in birth. How can 1 then govern the
earth, thou existing ? Void of sense and quality, a boy, and
inferior to thee in point of years, I, deprived of thee, can
not live. O ihou cognizant of morality, do thou, along with thy
friends, according to thy proper morality rule this entire
ancestral kingdom rid of its thorns and enjoying tranquil.
lity. Even here, O thou cognizant of the Mantras, let all
the subjects and the Ritwijas with Vasishtha, versed in
the Mantras, instal thee. Having been installed, go to AyodhySl
for the purpose of governing it, having with our assist-
ance conquered thy enemies by thy strength, like V&sava
conquering (his foes) with the help of the Maruts. Having
freed thyself from thy threefold debts, do thou govern me,
repressing thy foes, and propitiating thy friends with every
gratification. O noble one, tc-day let thy friends rejoice
in consequence of thy coronation. To day let those that
60

474 RAMAYANA,

intend to do thee harm, being frightened, fly to theteo
cardinal points. O foremost of men, wiping out the disgrace
of my mother, do thou emancipate our sire from sin. I
beseech thee with bent head. Be thou merciful unto mCy
unto all our friends, and, O great lord, unto all creatures in
general. But, if disregarding my solicitations, thou wend
from here to the forest, I shall go along with thee." Although
thus besought and propitiated by Bharata with bent head,
that lord of the earth, R&ma, possessed of strength, estab-
lished in the words of his father, did not decide for going.
Witnessing that wonderful firmness in RSLghava, the people
were at one and the same time delighted and depressed.
They were aggrieved because he would not go to Ayodhyft ;
they rejoiced on seeing his firm resolution. Then the
Ritwijas, the citizens, and their leaders, and the mothers
with their senses lost and with tears in their eyes,
extolled Bharata as he was speaking thus; and, bowing down
unto Rama, they directed their solicitations together.

SECTION evil

jCxS Bhaivita was again speaking in this strain, his
ful elder brother, having been highly honored, answered
Bharata in the midst of his relatives, saying, "Having been
born as a son unto Dagaratha — foremost of monarchs — bj
Kaikeyi, this speech of thine is worthy of thee. O brothcTt
formerly when our father espoused the hand of thy mother«
he promised her the kingdom as her marriage portion. Thes
on the occasion of the war between the gods and the Asii*
ras, that master, the king, well pleased (with her), being
besought, granted her a boon. Having been thus promisedt
that virtuous lady, thy illustrious mother, O foremost o£

AVODHVAKANDAM, 475

asked for two boons (of the king), — viz., thy enthronement,
O best of men, and my banishment Thus besought by her,
the king conferred on her the boon. And, thou foremost
of men, I have been enjoined by my sire to stay in the woods
for fourteen years, in consequence of his having granted
her the boon. And, having, in company with Lakshmana and
SitA, come to the lone forest, I in humble guise am stay-
ing in the truthful speech of my father. Thou too, thou
foremost of king^, shouldst in the same way speedily
render our father truthful, by getting thyself installed. O
Bharata, for my sake, do thou free that lord, the king, from his
debts. Do thou, O thou cognizant of morality, deliver our
father and gladden thy mother. O child, we hear that in
GayS, formerly the famous Gaya, engaged in a sacrifice,
chaunted this Vaidika hymn, for pleasing his departed an-
cestors : 'Since a son delivereth his sire from the hell named
Putf a son goeth by the appellation of putra^ he protecting
his (departed) ancestors in every way. One should wish for
many sons crowned with qualities and versed in various
lore, for the chance is that one at least of these may repair
to Gay2L.' O son of the Raghu race, the RSjarshis have
delivered their decision on the point. Therefore, thou
foremost of men, do thou, O lord, rescue thy sire from hell.
O Bharata, go to Ajodhya, and please the subjects, in
company with Satrughna, O hero, and all the regenerate
ones. I also, O hero, without delay shall have to enter the
forest of Dandaka in company with Lakshmana and Sit§.
O Bharata, be thou thyself the monarch of men, I shall be-
come the king of kings of deer. Go thou to that foremost of.
cities with a glad heart: with a glad heart will I enter EKandaka.
O Bharata, let the umbrella barring out the rays of the sun,
afford cool shade unto thy head : I shall happily seek the
dense shade of these forest trees. Satrughna endued with
cleverness is thy helper: Sumitr5's son is well known as
my best friend. We four worthy sons of that foremost of

.' •

RAMAYANA.

monarchs will keep him established in truth, O Bharala. Ld

not thy mind despond."

SECTION CViM.

jfxS RSima cognizant of righteousness was thus encoarag-
ing Bharata, Javali — best of Bi^hmanas — addressed him in
words divorced from morality, saying. "O R&ghavai endowed
with a noble understanding and leading a life of asceticisnii
do not suffer thy intellect to entertain inanities, like any low
person. Who is whose friend ? And to what is one en-
titled and by virtue of what relation ? And who is such ?
Since a creature is born alone and dies alone, a person that
cherishes his father and mother with affection, musti O
RSLma, be looked upon as a madman. No individual hath
any one (in this world). As on the eve of setting out for
another country, a person stays somewhere (outside the
village he lives in), and the next day goes away, renouncing
that abode, even such are a man's father and mother, house
and wealth. O KSkutshta, worthy people never bear affec-
tion towards a mere abode. Therefore, O b^st of men,
leaving thy ancestral kingdom, thou ought not to ^ide in the
disagreeable forest filled with dangers and difficulties. Do
thou get thyself sprinkled in the prosperous AyoAyL The
city expects thee wearing a single woven braid. D king's
son, enjoying costly regal pleasures, do thou sport in Ayo-
dhySL, like Sakra in the celestial regions. Da^arath^is

unto thee, and thou too art none unto Da9aratha: He is

quite other than thy sire ; and thou hast no coi'
with him. Therefore, do thou act as I tell thee. A .father-
is merely an instrumental cause (touching the gerJwratie^
of his child). A father's semen coming in contacflsWitii 11^
mother's blood, at the time befitting conception, a,

ArODHTAKANDAM. 477

18 'brbught into being. The king hath gone the way he
should. This is the nature of all creatures. But thou
for naught denyest thyself (the manliness of monarchal
power). Those that disregarding interest are devoted to
virtue, do I mourn — and not others; for having suffered
misery here, they in the end meet with extinction. People
engage in Ashtaka^ in behalf of ancestors and deities.
Behold the waste of edibles. Doth any dead person feed ?
If food partaken by one is transferred to the body of another,
offer Srdddha unto one going to a distant land, and that
shall serve for his provender on the way. Works (on
tnorality) enjoining — Worship/ 'Give away/ 'Be initiated/
'Observe rites,' Renounce', — have been composed by intelli-
gent persons, for inducing people to be charitable. O
magnanimous one, assure thyself there is no hereafter.
Do thou remain grounded in the evident, turning thy back
on what is beyond our ken. Placing in front the intellect
of the good, and approved by all, do thou, propitiated by
Bharata, accept the monarchy.''

SECTION clX.

JtLearing Javali's words, R§ma having truth for prowess,
by help of an exceedingly subtle intellect uninfluenced (under
the exhortations of that sage), said, ''What thou, wishing
for my welfare, hast dwelt upon, though wearing the guise of
a good action, is really not such \ and though appearing to be
beneficent, is really calculaled to entail misery. The person
that with his sinful acts sticking to him, walketh astray,
as well as he that holdeth up (unto others) different patterns
of character (from those recommended by scripture), doth

* The lunar days and months for propoUating the manes.

478 RAMA VAN A.

not win honor with the good. One's character (fashioned
according to scripture) shows whether one is high-born or
base, heroic or vainly priding himself on bis manlinesii
pure or impure. (But by adopting the code of conduct
inculcated by thee\ a mean character may appear as a noUe
one, one bereft of purity may appear pure, an inanspictoos
individual may seem auspicious, and one of vile ways maj
appear honest. If I adopt this unrighteous course, calculated
to produce confusion of castes, and do acts not recogniied
by scripture, I shall, renouncing good, have to reap only
evil. Then what man possessed of consciousness and
capable of discriminating between right and wrong, shall
honor me, given to wicked ways and deserving of univerBal
reprehension ? Whose is this course (that thou askest me
to- follow)? And by what way shall I attain heaven, hf
following the present course, which would make me give
up my vow ? When I have (first) myself set up desire as my
standard of action, the entire body of the people shall folknr
me : subjects take to the ways that have been adopted by
their sovereigns. This eternal regal morality founded in
kindness towards the subjects, is verily true. Hence a
kingdom is essentially based upon truth; and this world
itself is established in truth. Saints and celestials for certain
regard truth alone In this world a truthful person atlaiai
the regions of BrahmSi. Untruthful persons harass people
as much as serpents. In this world virtue, which is said to'
be the root of everything, is itself established in truth. ' b
this world, truth is the Lord ; in.truth is established rigUe^
ousness. Everything hath truth for its basis. No condHiOB
is superior to truth. The Veda, which inculcates giftpSaolfc'
fice, homa^ and asceticism, is based on truth. One pnotatlK
men, another his family ; one is plunged in hell,— mottef
is honored in heaven. Why should I not then dbejttii'
mandate of my father ? My father was of truthfol •pratfdM
and of righteous ways ; and with the object of ebtenrin|(

A VODH VA KA NDAM, 479

his promise, he laid on me this (for faithful performance).
Having promised to my superior with an oath, I shall never
through covetuousness or forgetfulness or pride rive the
bridge of truth. We have heard that the gods and the Pitris
do not accept offerings from one inclined to untruth, or who is
unsteady and of volatile faculties. This duty of maintaining
truth, whose influence radiates all over one's soul, I certainly
find to be the prime one; and this burthen hath (ere this)
been borne by worthy people. And it is for this that I
reverence the same. I abjure that Kshatriya morality which,
wearing the garb of righteousness, is in fact impiety, and
which is pursued by the low-minded, or the wicked, or the
covetuous, or the sinful. A person commits a sin by means
of his physique^ but after he hath accurately cast it in his
mind ; and he hath also spoken an untruth with his tongue.
Thus a sin is threefold. The earth and fame and renown
and auspiciousness pay court unto the truthful person. The
good follow truth, — therefore even truth is to be sought (by
all). Therefore the seemingly excellent thing that thou, after
having well ascertained it, hast said unto me in words inform-
ed with reason — *Thou hadst rather do this' — appears to me
wanting in nobility. How, after having promised unto my
superior this exile of mine, shall I act up to Bharata's words,
setting aside those of my superior? I having remained firm
in the promise I had made unto my superior, that noble
lady, Kaikeyi, became excceedingly delighted. Living in the
forest, pure, with regulated fare, I shall, propitiating the gods
and the Pitris with fruits, flowers and roots, (fulfil my vow).
Satisfying the five classes,* I shall, retaining my simplicity
and my religious faith, and being able to distinguish between
right and wrong, pass away the term(of banishment). Having
come to this scene of action, one should do that which is
proper. Even Agni and Viyu and Soma reap the fruits of

* Patdkramam — Tlie commentator says that the word means, Chandr^ylna
and other rites.— T.

48o RAMAFANA.

their own acts. Having acquired the appellation of SaiM*
kratu, the sovereign of the celestials hath gone to heaven ;
and, having performed rigid austerities, the Maharshis have
attained the celestial regions." Having heard of the reasons
couched in that atheistical speech which he could not allow
to pass without stricture, that one of fierce epergy, the king's
son, censuring what JILvSLli had said, again spoke, "Truth,
righteousness, prowess, kindness to creatures, fair spoken-
ness, and worship of the twice-born ones, gods and guests,
these have by the pious been styled the ways to heaven.
Having duly heard that these are capable of conferring the
summum bonum^ and also come to the same conclusion
by reasoning, Vipras, adequately and competely observing
morality with the utmost care, are eagerly desirous of attaun-
ing those regions. I blame this act of my father's, viz.,—
that he took (for his priest) one of perverse understanding,
w ho rangeth by help of such an intellect — who is frightfully
atheistic, and who hath swerved from the path of righteous-
ness. As a thief is, so is a Buddha, and know that in this
matter, an atheist is in a like predicament. Therefore, such
an one, when capable of being punished like a thief for the
good of the people, should be punished like a thief ; and
let no BrSLhmana ever speak with an atheist. Other
BrShmanas than thyself, superior to thee, have, sever-
ing this world as well as the next, performed various
exellent acts. Therefore those Brahmans, amen, who have
spared life and in other ways practised morality, and have
also given away in charity, performed austerities and served
others, (perform sacrifices in consonance with Vedas). And
principal ascetics engaged in religion, surrounded by the
good, possessed of energy, having charity for their foreoKMt
attribute, void of envy, and their hearts free from all stai%,— ^
are honored in this world." When the magnanimous Rbsa
of undiminished strength had wrathfully said this, t|Ht
Vipra with supplications again spoke words^ fraught with

AFOnNVAKANDAAf. 481

morality and high spiritual truth. I do not speak the language
of atheists ; nor am I an atheist ; nor yet is it true that there
is nothing (hereafter). On the occasion of things having
reference to the next world being performed, I am again a
believer ; and on the occasion of things' connection with
this world being taken in hand, I am an atheist once again.

0 RSlma, the time has gradually drawn nigh when for the
purpose of making thee turn back, it is necessary that I
should speak the language of atheism. But pacifying thee,

1 have (again) spoken this (/'. e, I am a believer).

SECTION ex.

.nowing that Rama was wroth, Vasishtha said, "Javali
knoweth the departure of creatures to the next world and
their return thence. Anxious of making thee turn back,
he had spoken thus. Do thou now, O lord of the world,
learn the genesis of creatures from me. Water was every-
where. The earth was constructed therein. Then sprang
the self-create BrShma along with all the celestials. Having
become a boar, he raised up the earth, and along with his
sons of subdued souls created everything. Brahma eternal,
existing through all time and incapable of decay, sprang
from the sky. From him Marichi came into being, and
Ka9yapa is Marichi's son. Vivaswat drew his birth from
Ka9yapa, and Manu from Vivaswat. Manu was formerly
known as Prajapati. Ikshwaku is son unto Manu ; and this
world was first conferred upon IkshvvSiku by Manu. Do
thou know Ikshwaku as the first king in Ayodhya. The
graceful Kukshi is known as the son of Ikshwaku. And,
O hero, Kukshi 's son was Vikukshi. Vikukshi had the
powerful VSlna possessed of exceeding energy for his son.
V2na had the mighty-armed Anaranya of high austerities
61

USi fl RAMA TANA.

for his son. During the time of that foremost of righteous
persons, the monarch Anaranya, drouth or famine did not
occur (in AyodhyS) -, nor were there any thieves at that time.
O mighty king, from Anaranya sprang king Prithu. From
Prithu sprang Trisanku of mighty energy. This hero by
virtue of his truth telling went to heaven in person. Tri-
sanku had the famous DhundumlLra for his son ; and from
Dhundum^ra Juvanasya was born. Juvanasy&'s son was the
handsome Mdndh^t^ ; and from M&ndhSta Susandhi came
into being. Susandhi had two sons ; Dhruvasandhi and
Frasenajit. Dhruvasandhi had the illustrious Bharata, des-
troyer of foes (for his son) From Bharata sprang Asita— to
whom sprang these hostile kings as foes, Harhayas, Tftlajan*
ghas and Sasavindus — heroes all. Having engaged with them
in battle, the king was excited (by them). And on the rom-
antic Himavat, he became engaged in asceticism. It is said
that at the time, his two wives were gone with child. There
one of the exalted ladies having eyes resembling lotus petals
saluted Bhrigu*s son furnished with the splendour of a celestialg
desirous of having an excellent son. Another administered
poison unto the other for destroying her foetus. Bhrigu's
son named Chyavana was at that time staying in Himavat*
Appearing before the sage, K^lindi saluted him. Thereupon
he returned the greeting that had been made by that ladjf
anxious to secure a boon for the birth of a son. "Thou,
shalt, O lady get a son of mighty soul, who shall be celebrated
among men ; and who shall be pious and powerful— the per-
petuator of his race and destroyer of enemies" Hearing
this, that noble lady having gone round him and paid io
respect unto the ascetic went to her home and gave birth to
a son furnished with eyes resembling lotuspetals, and'
of sheen like that of the inside of a lotus. And because
her CO wife, had given her poison for destroying her fcstvSy
and as in consequence of this, he had come in contact witli
poison, he came to be ailed Sagara. The name of tEal

IP#^

A YODHYA KA NDAM. 483

king is Sagara, who having been initiated in a sacrifice
excavated the ocean, frightening the people with the
vehemence of his operations. Asamanja is known to
have been the son of Sagara. This wicked man while
3ret in life, was banished by his father. Asamanja's son
vras the puissant An9umat. Dih'pa is the son of An9umat
and Dilipa^s son is Bhag^tha. From Bhagiratha sprang
Kakustha ; from whom the K§kusthas came to be weH
known. Kakutstha had Raghu for his son ; after whom
have been named the RSighavas. Raghu's son is the ener-
getic Pravirda, who ate human beings. He is known on
earth under such names as Kalmashahada, Saudasa. We
have heard that KalmSishapSid's son was Sankhana, who
having been endowed with prowess, found destruction
along with his forces. Sankhana's son was the beautiful
and heroic Sudar9ana. Sudar9ana's son was Agnivarna
and Agnivarna's, Sighraga ; Sighraga's son was Maru, and
Hani's Pra9U9ruva*s. Pra9u9ruva's son was the magnani-
mous Amvarisha. Amvarisha's son was Nahusha having truth
for his prowess. Nahusha's son was the exceedingly
virtuous NSbhaga. Nabhaga had two tons, — Aja and
Suvrata. Aja's son was the virtuous king Da9aratha. His
eldest son art thou celebrated under the name of R^ma. Do
thon receive thy own kingdom and look after the world.
Among the Ikshwakus, the first born becomes the sovereign.
The first born existing, an inferior son cannot be installed
in the kingdom. It therefore doth not today behove thee to
depart from the ever existing morality of the descendants
of Raghu. Do thou rule this earth filled with gems, and
famished with high fame, do thou like unto a father govern
faer containing many kingdoms."

484 RAMA FAN A

SECTION'CX.

Xlaving thus addressed Rlima, the royal priest Vasishtha
again spoke unto him words fraught with righteousness,
saying, ''Unto a man born there are three superiors, viz, the
preceptor, O Kakutstha, and father and mother, O Rftghava.
O foremost of men, the father begets a person, the preceptor
imparts wisdom and therefore is he called a superior. I, O
subduer of foes, have been the preceptor of both thyself
and thy father. By doing what I say, thou wilt not lose
the state of the righteous. These courtiers of thine — these
relatives, and these kings ; — by protecting them virtuously
thou wilt not lose the state of the righteous. It doth Dot
behove thee to disregard the words of thy aged and virtuous
mother. By doing her bidding thou wilt not lose the state
of tlie righteous. O Raghava, by acting as Bharata, who is
soliciting thee, says, thou having the morality of truth for
thy prowess, wilt not be frustrated of the state of the pious."
Thus sweetly addressed by his preceptor personally, that
foremost of men, Raghava, replied unto Vasishtha, seated
with him, saying, "What his father and mother always do in
behalf of their son, and what they effect by way of provision
and sleep and clothing and constant swe^t speech, and sport,
is diilicult of being repaid. Therefore, what my father, king
Da^aratha hath commanded me to do, must not be falsified."
Kama having said this, the broad -breasted Bharata, extre-
mely depressed spoke unto the charioteer who was by,
saying, "O charioteer, do thou speedily spread Ku^a on the
ground here. I will remain near the noble one until he be
kindly disposed (towads me). Even as a twice born one
deprived of his wealth licth down (at the door of an unrighte-
ous [)erson), eschewing food and in darkness, will I lie down
in front of this cottage, until he betakes himself back (to
Ayodhya)" Then with a dispirited heart finding SumantA

7* L

A VODHVAKANDAM. 485

looking up to Rlma, Bharata himself spread Ku^a and lay
down upon it. To him spoke that foremost of Rfijarshis, the
highly energetic R&ma, *'0 BhSrata, my dear brother, what
have I done that thou hast down by me ? It is a Brihmana
who alone can obstruct a person by lying down beside him ;
but there is no rule by which a member of the military class"^
can lie down (in this wise). O best of men, arise, renouncing
this difficult vow ; and, O descendant of Raghu, do thou from
hence take thyself unto that best of cities, AyodhyS." Being
seated, Bharata, eying the citizens and the inhabitants of
of the provinces, remarked, *'What for do ye not solicit
the noble one ?" Thereupon the citizens and the dwellers
of the provinces answered that high-souled one, saying,
"We perceive that the descendant of Raghu says unto KSku-
tstha what is fit ; and this exceedingly virtuous one stayeth
by the words of his sire. Therefore we are incapable of
suddenly saying anything." Hearing their speech, RSima
said, "Listen to the words of these friends having morality
for their vision. And, O scion of the Raghu race, hearing
their utterances as regards both thyself and me, do thou
decide. Arise, thou mighty-armed one. Touch me and then
water." Thereat arising, Bharata, having touched water,
said, "Ye courtiers, and ye ministers, listen to me !
I did not wish for my paternal kingdom ; nor did I
sway my mother (towards obtaining the same) ; nor did
I know that the exceedingly righteous Righava was to seek
the woods. But if he must dwell here, and thus act out the
mandate of our father, I also will abide in the forest for
fourteen years." Astonished at the determination of Bharata,
the righteous Rima eying the citizens and the inhabitants

• Murdhabhisikta — Murdha, the head / Abhistkia, sprinkled ; kings being
consecrated by having poured on their heads, while seated on a throne, pre-
pared for the purpose, water from some sacred stream, mixed with honey,
clarified butter, and spirituous liquor, as well as two sorts of grass and sprouts
of com ; the term applies to the Kshetriya as identified with the king, the
duties of royalty belonging specially tc the military caste.

486 RAIUAFANA.

of the provinces, said, "Neither Bharata nor I can anual any
sale or pledge or purchase effected by our father during his
life. Therefore I ought not to accept any substitute for living
in the woods, who can but contribute to my censure. Kai-
keyi hath spoken what is proper; and my father bath acted
well. I know Bharata to be forgiving, and given to serving
superiors. Everything in that high-souled one intent on
truth appeareth beneficial. Having returned from the forest,
I will in company with this brother of virtuous character.
become the worthy master of this earth. The king having
been made by Kaikeyi to consent (to her proposal , I have
done as she told me. Do thou by acting in the way calculated
to free that lord of the earth, our father (from the debt of
promise), do so."

SECTION CXIl

vJbserving the meeting of the two brothers of unparallel-
ed energy, capable of making one's hair stand on end, the
Maharshis struck with surprise came to the scene. And
remaining invisible, the ascetics, Sidhas and prime saints
admired those brothers, the virtuous KiLkutstbas. "Blessed
is he whose sons these, two cognizant of virtue and having
truth for prowess are. Having heard their converse^ we
are delighted/' Then the saints, desirous of the destrnctiOB
of the ten-deaded one, having become unanimous, speedilj
addressed that foremost of monarchs, Bharata, saying, "Bom
in an illustrious line, endeued with high wisdom, of high
character and high fame, thou shouldst accept R&ma's words,
if thou hast a care for the happiness of thy sire. We wish
that R&ma may always act truthfully in respect of his father.
By virtue of his truth connected with Kaikeyi, Dayaintha
hath gone to heaven.'. Having said this, the Gandhaihhii^

AFODHTAKANDAM, 487

, and RSjarshis each went to liis proper quarter.
Having paid homage unto those saints, R&ma possessed
erf a gracious presence, hearing their words, was filled with
y6fj% and looked lovely with his delightful countenance.
Bat with his frame agitated (with emotion), Bharata with
joined hands again addressed Rs^ghava in words faltering
(with feeling), "O Rama, taking into account the morality
of this race, it behoves thee to act in accordance with the
solicitations of my mother (and thine). I do not venture
to govern this vast kingdom alone, or please the citizens
and the inhabitants of the provinces attached unto thee.
And as husbandmen remain expecting rain, our kindred,
and wariors and friends and adherents wait in expectation
of thee. O exceedingly wise one, accepting the kingdom,
do thou place it in the hands of some person. O KStkutstha,
whomsoever thou wilt chose for performing this office, will
surely prove strong enough to govern the people/' Having
said this, Bharata fell at his brother's feet ; and sweetly ad-
dressing him — '*0 RSghava", solicited him once again.
Takjng on his lap that sable-hued one furnished with eyes
resembling lotus-leaves, Rama with a voice like that of
a mad swan, spoke unto (Bharata), ^*Thou hast at length
attained the mental attitude that is natural and that also
I comes* of the training one receives at the hands of his
preceptor. And, brother thou venturest greatly to protect
the earth. Taking counsel with courtiers, adherents and
intelligent ministers, do thou achieve grand tasks. Even
if beauty forsaketh the moon, or Himavat his snow, or the
ocean overleaps its shores, I shall not forsake the promise
of my sire. And, my brother, thou ought not to cherish in thy
mind what thy mother incited by covetuousness or affection
for thee hath done ; and thou should act by her as one
sboold by one's mother,*' When Rama resembling the sun
in energy and like the moon of Pratipai in appearance,
had said this, Bharata said unto the son of Kau9alya,

488 RAJMAFANA.

"O noble one, do thou take off thy feet thy sandals
adorned with gold. These shall protect what the people have
got and secure unto thee what they lack/' Thereupon
taking off his sandals, that highly energetic one gave them
to the magnanimous Bharata. Bharata, bowing down on-
to the sandals, said, '' O hero, for. four and ten years shall
I, wearing matted locks and bark, and subsisting upon
fruits and roots^ O scion of the Raghu race, expecting thy
arrival, remain outside the city, having, O subduer of foes,
made over the task of government unto thy sandals. And,

0 foremost of Raghus, if after the completion of the four-
teen year, I do not see thee, I shall enter into fire. Promising,
'' So be it," and affectionately embracing Bharata, and abo
embracing Satrughna, R^ma said," Do thou protect thy
mother Kaikeyi. Do not be angry with her. Both Janaki and

1 conjure thee to do this, O descendant of Raghu." Having
said this, he forsook his brother, with tears in his eyes. Then
accepting those burnished and garnished sandals, Bharata
versed in morality circumabulated R&ghava, and placed the
sandals on the head of an excellent elephant. Then hav-
ing one by one honored that assembly, and his preceptor
and the counsellors, and the subjects and his younger brotherSf
perpetuator of the Raghu race, steady in his oun duty like
Himavat itself, took leave of them. His mothers with their
throats invaded by the vapour of grief could not from distress
of heart say aught unto him. And RSLma also having paid
homage unto all of them, weeping entered hb own cottage.

SECTION CXili.

>.^*

Xhen taking the pair of sandals on his head, Bharata .iS
company with Satruq[hna well pleased, ascended the
And Vasibhthn, and V&madcva and J&vali steady an

TWf.

A VODH Va KA NDA M, 489

as welt a$ the ministers, honored on account of their
COttn&elS| went before. And going round the charming
M andftkini, thy went eastwards, circumambulating fat the same
time) the mighty hill, Chitrakuta. And beholding various
kinds of beautiful minerels by thousands/' Bharata accom-
panied by his army went by the side (of the hill). At a short
distance from Chitrakuta, Bharata beheld the spot where
the ascetic Bharadw9Lja had built his habitation. Approach-
ing^ the asylum, the puissant Bharata descended from the
car, and the son of Raghu then paid homage unto the saint's
feet. Thereat BharadwSija well pleased said, ''Hast thou,
my child, on meeting with Rftma, done what it behoved thee
to do?" Thus addressed by the intelligent Bharadw&ja,
Bharata attached to righteousness answered the former,
saying, ''Solicited by our preceptor as well as by myself,
Raghava of steady prowess highly pleased spoke unto
Vasishtha, 'I would faithfully perform my father's promise
for fourteen years; for even this is the promise of my father/
Thus accosted, the eminently wise Vasishtha skilled in speech
replied unto Rlghava in these pregnant words, 'Do thou
well pleased confer (on Bharata) thy sandals decked in
gold. Thereby, O exceedingly wise one, thou wilt be able
to protect what the people have and secure unto them what
tiiey have not/ Thus addressed by Vasishtha, Raghava
facing the east, conferred on me his sandals decked in gold,
in order that I might carry on the government of the
kingdom. Commanded by the magnanimous R&ma, I
retrace my steps. I will go to Ayodhya, taking the sandals
along with me/' Hearing these auspicious words of the high-
souled Bharata, the ascetic Bharadwaja said unto Bharata,
"It is no wonder that R§ma hath acted nobly by thee, fore-
most among men and possessed of an (excellent) character
and disposition, even as water poured out, floweth down-
wards. Thy father Da9aratha hath become freed from

h|^ 4lBbts, since he hath a son like unto thee, righteous and

• * ■

490 HAiVAFANA,

attached to virtue". Wlien the ascetic had said this, Bharata
with joined palms pai<l his respects unto that higMy wise
one, by taking hold of his feet. And after having again and
again gone round Bharadw^ja, the graceful Bharata went to
Ayodhy§ accompaniad by his counsellors. And jeturning by
means of cars and carts, horses and elephants, that axmy
marching in the wake of Bharata, spread wide. And ^fker
having crossed the beautiful river Yamun& flowing in wavc9»
they again beheld the river GangSL of auspicious waters.
And having along with his friend crossed over that river
filled with beautiful waters, Bharata together with his army
entered the charming city of Sringava. And from the city of
Sringava he went to AyodhyS and again beheld it. And
seeing Ayodhya bereft of his father and mother, Bhaxata
burning in grief, said unto the charioteer, "O charioteer,
behold that Ayodhyl, which shorn of its splendour and de-
coration*^. and plunged in grief, forlorn and silent, doth not
appear delightful."

SECTION cx'V.

jt\.rrivin$r by means of a car emitting a low and solemn
sound, that lord, the highly famous Bharata speedily totered
Ayodhyl, ranged by cats and owls, with the doors of the
people's dwellings remaining closed ; like a night enveloped
in darkness; gloomy ; and invisible ; resembling the belove4
wife of RcLhu's enemy, Rohini, brilliant with the lustre of
the latter, when she is forlorn in consequence of her hiYW
being aOlicted by that planet ; like unto a mountain stf^aai
shrunk up, having its waters turbid and slightly heatedi and
its fowls burning in the heat ; and with its fishes, aliigaton ^iid
other aquatic animals rendered lean; resembling a fla,ii|aq|
fire devoid of smoke and streaming up in goldcii *s!c^4PV?a

A YODH VA KA XD A Jll. 49 r

next sprinkled with clarified butter, and lastly appearing
vfith' its crest extinguished ; with armour scattered all
rbiind, and sick elephants and horses and cars and stand-
iMs; — and heroes lying dead, — in distress; like unto an
army' in a mighty encounter ; resembling the silent ripples
of the ocean raised by the gentle breeze, which ere now
(in the shapes of surges) were heaving, brimming over with
foam and sending forth roars ; like a silent dais after the
sacrifice is over, without the sacrificial appurtenances, with-
out Worthy priests; like unto the wife of a youthful ox^
ekbrcised with anxiety on having been forsaken by her favorite
oXy staying in distress in a pen, abstaining from fresh grass ;
Ifke unto a string of new pearls divorced from noble,
mild-gleaming rubies and other excellent gems ; like
a star on the expiration of its virtue, moving from
it^ plade, and dislodged from heaven, dropping to the
earibV with its brightness contracted ; like a blossoming
creeper at the end of spring with maddened Bhramaras*
s'uddehly rendered nerveless in consequence of being caught
by a forest fire ; with her merchants plunged in grief, and
her shops and stalls closed ; like the welkin covered with
clouds, and having its moon and stars hid ; like an unclean,
uncovered spot used for drinking, with all the wine drained,
aad scattered with broken bowls, and with the tipplers lying
dead; like unto a reservoir with its terrace riven, filled with
broken pots, and lying with its pillars crushed ; like a long
strong bow-string fixed on a bow furnished with nooses,
falling off the bow to the ground, being snapped in
consequence of the pressure of the arrow ; like a mare,
suddenly urged on by a rider skilled in battle, lying (on the
ground', having been slain by the hostile forces.

That son of Da^aratha, the beauteous Bharata, while
proceeding on his car, addressed the charioteer as he drove
that best of cars, saying, 'Why do I not hear as formerly

♦ BUck bees.

49^ RAMAVANA.

the solemn sounds of song and instrumental music spread*
ing on all sides in AyodhyS ? And there doth not breathe
around the aroma of liquor, or the perfume of garlands, or
the incense of aguru and sandal. And on R2Lma being banisb^
cd, in this city is not heard the mild neighing of steeds, tbe
rattle of vehicles, the roar of mad elephants, or the mightj
clatter of arms. And on RSma having repaired to the
forest, youthful folk stricken with sorrow do not enjoy the
incense of aguru and sandal, or costly fresh chaplets. And
persons bearing variegated garlands do not walk abroad %
and no festivities are celebrated in the city stricken wkh
grief on account of RSma. Surely, the grace of the city hath
gone away with my brother. Surely, that Ayodhyft doth not
look beautiful like an autumnal night with showers pouring
down. When shall my brother, coming hither like a carnival,
gladden all hearts in Ayodhy^ like rain in summer ? And the
highways shall be graced with young people elegantly
attired and bearing themselves bravely in AyodhyS." Having
said this in grief, Bharata in company with the charioteer
entered AyodhySL and immediately went to the residence
of his father, bereft of that foremost of men, like a cavern
bereft of its lion. Seeing the inner apartment shorn of its
splendour, like a day deprived of the sun, mourned by the
deities, and everywhere unclean, the self-possessed Bharata,
moyed by grief, began to drop tears.

SECTION cxv.

JjL^tving phced his mothers in Ayodhyft, Bharata steady
in his vow, kindling in g^ief, said unto his preceptora^ **I
shall goto NandigrSma, and therefore greet you all. ThcVB
I shall suffer all this grief on account of Rftma's abteaeaii
The king hath gone to heaven, and my superior is atayiag

A rODf/FA K AND AM. 493

in the woods. I shall remain in expectation of R5ma, assum-
ing the reins of government. Verily that illustrious one
is the king." Hearing this excellent speech of the high-
souled Bharata, the counsellors as well as the priest Vasishtha
said, **What, O Bharata, influenced by affection for thy
brother thou sayst, is worthy of thee and is highly commend-
able. Who will not endorse what hath fallen from thee,
ever engaged in serving thy friends, established in fraternal
love, and who hast entered upon a noble course ?'* Having
heard the words of the counsellors acceptable and welcome,
Bharata said unto the charioteer, **Do thou yoke my car."
Then with a cheerful countenance having spoken to his
mothers, that graceful one ascended the car in company
with Satrughna. Having swiftly ascended the car, both
Satrughna and Bharata, right glad at heart, set out, surrounded
by counsellors and priests. And going ahead, all the precept-
ors headed by Vasishtha proceeded eastwards, in which
direction lay NandigrSLma. And the forces, filled with ele-
phants and horses and cars, although not called, set out on
Bharata proceeding, as well as all the citizens. And ascend-
ing the car, the virtuous Bharata attached unto his brother,
speedily went to NandigrSma, holding the sandals (of Rima)
on his head. Then entering NandigrSma in a short time,
Bharata swiftly alighted from the car and addressed his
preceptors, saying, **This monarchy hath been consigned
unto me as a trust ; and these gold-decked sandals shall
carry on the work of government, protecting what the
people have and securing unto them what they have not."
Then bowing unto the sandals which represented the trust,
Bharata burning in grief addressed the entire body of the
subjects, saying, "Do ye speedily hold the umbrella (over
these sandals). These represent the dear feet of the exalted
one. Through these sandals of my superior, will be estab-
lished the regal morality (of the kingdom). This kingdom
from love hath been conferred on me as a trust ; therefore

494 RA3iAl^ANA,

I shail govern it until R&ghava conies. Again' speisdiljp
putting these sandals on Rftghava's feet, I shall behold
them with the sandals on. On RSighava coming (back), I
shall, my burden being cast upon him, making' over the
kingdom unto him, engage myself in serving my superior.
And having rendered unto RSghava the trust in the' shape'
of these sandals, this kingdom, and Ayodhyft, I shall be'
washed from my sin.'' Henceforth wearing bark' abtt
matted locks, and in the guise of an ascetic^ the heroiC'
Bharata dwelt in NandigrSma along'with his forces: HaTittg*
consigned all rule unto the sandals, Bharata' himself htid
the umbrella and the chowri furnished with hair. And' the
graceful Bharata, having installed the sandjiils of the noble'
one, always carried on the government in' sub6rdinati6n
to them.

SECTION CXVI.

V^n Bharata having returned, while RSma was dwelling
in the woods, he noticed affright among the ascetics, added
to a desire to remove to another place. And those ascetics '
that were living happily in the asylum in Chitrakiita,
relying upon Rlma (for their protection), he foiriid td'be'*
wrought up with anxiety. And by means of sigfts by th^"
eye and contractions of the brow, they, afflitrted wllh l&ft'
were, alluding to RSma, slowly speaking to ea[ch otti6r. '
Perceiving their anxiety, RSma apprehensive of himsfclfp with
joined hands addressed the patriarchal asscetic, saying, "O'
reverned one, dove find me deviating from the path of*
former sovereigns, or acting contrary to their practice,*—*
which hath perplexed (the minds of) these ascetics ? Hafrethe'^
sages seen my younger (brother), the high-souled Lalolifaiad^*^
do anything from inadvertance that is un worthy of 'him-f ^IMk^

A YODH VA KA ND AM, 495

AOt SiliA engaged \n serving you, having to serve me^ now
minister unto you as a woman should ?'' Thereat a Cjertaio
aged and decrepit ascetic, with his frame trembling, said
uqto R&ma ever kiod towards creatures, ''Where is the
falling-'off of that one of excellent character, engaged in
offices of beneficence, — more specially with reference to
ascetics ? This fear arising from Raksh&sas afflicts the ascetics
because of theej and they, extremely agitated, converse
with each other (on the subject). A Rlkshasa named Khara,
^ younger brother of R§vaaa, hatli been harassing the ascetics
^welliag in Janasthana. And Dhrishta also a fearless and
wicked Rakaliasa feeding on human beings, — and the unright«
eous Avalipta, cannot bear thee, my child. As long, my
child, as thou hast been residing in this asylum, the
R§kshasas have been plaguing the ascetics. And they show
themselves sometimes in disgusting shapes, sometimes in
horrible and dreadful ones, — in various frightful forms capable
of frightening folks. And they throw execrable and unclean
things among the anchorets, and torment those that happen
to come before them. And they take delight in approach-
tug asylums unperceived, and slaughtering ascetics, after
having bound them by means of their arms. And on thQ
occasion of sacrifices, they throw away the vessels contain-
ing sacrificial articles, pour water on the sacrificial fire and
break vessels containing water. Eager to renounce this
asylum infested by those wicked ones, and removing to
another place, the sages today have been exhorting me (on
the subject). And, O RSma, ere this, those wicked ones
have slain ascetics. Therefore we would renounce this
asylum. Not far from here is a picturesque wood abounding
in fruits and roots. Thither shall 1 betake myself together
with my own folks. Khara shall also annoy thee. If thou
think it proper, go hence in company with us. O Raghava,
although thou art vigilant^ able, and in all ways capable,
it would be unpleasant for thee to dwell here now in doubt."

694 RAMAVANA.

When the anxious ascetic had said this» Rflma could not coa
sole him by his words. Then having paid homage unto Rlma,
and spoken to him and encouraged R§ghava, the patriach
ascetic renouncing the asylum, went away along with his own
people. And Rama having (for a time) followed the MS[e
who was departing from that place, and having paid lum
respects, being permitted by them, well-pleased, and advised
(as to what it behoved him to do), came to his quarters repos-
ing there. (Thenceforth) RSghava never for a moment left
that asylum forsaken by the sages. — R^Lghava having such
qualities in his character as were likely to stand the sages
in stead, the ascetics (that remained behind) ever followed
RSghava.

SECTION cxvii.

W hen the ascetics had gone away, Rflghava reflected
( as to his stay at that place ) ; and from diverse reasons, he
did not relish remaining there any further. " Here have I
seen Bharata and my mother in company with the citisensL
Overwhelmed with grief on my account, they ever recur to
my memory. And in consequence of the troops of that high*
souled one having quartered here as well as the dung dis*
charged by his elephants and horses, this place has got ex*
ceedingly dirty. Therefore will I go to another quarter."
Having settled this in his mind, RAghava departed along
with Videha's daughter and Lakshmana. And having Arrir*
ed at Atri's asylum, that renowned one paid obeisance (uto
the sage ) ; and the reverend Atri also on his part
R&ma as a son. And having personally given Rlma
ful reception and entertainment, the ascetic regarded the
alted Lakshmana and Sit§ with a gracious eye. And his
i^vjX^ having come there, Atri greeted her; and nflsf nip

f '

A rODUyA KA NDAM, 497

had becfn paid homag^e, the sage cognizant of virtue ever en-
gaged in the good of all creatures, gladdened her (by present-
ing . SitSl unto her. ) And that best of sages said unto the
pious fetnale ascetic,AnasuySi,engaged in offices of virtue, ''Do
thou accept Videha's daughter.'' And Atri related unto
Rftma matters connected with the female ascetic, engaged in
offices of virtue, "The people were ceaselessly burning in
consequence of a drouth extending over ten years. O sinless
one, that one resembling thy mother is this, by whom furnish-
ed with rigid asceticsim and adorned with voluntary penan-
ces, were created fruits and roots and the J^hnavi was made
to flow through the asylum \ by whom were performed mighty
austerities for ten thousand years, — in virtue of whose pen
ances, disturbances to the asceticism of the sages ceased, —
by whom ten nights were brought within the compass of a
single one. Let Vaidehi always resort to this aged ascetic
devoid of anger, who is worthy of being bowed down to by
all creatures.'' When the saint had spoken thus^ Raghava
saying, "So be it," turned his eyes to Sit2L, and thus spoke
unto that one knowing morality, "O princess, thou hast
heard what hath been uttered by the ascetic. For the sake
of thy own welfare, do thou speedily resort to the female an-
choret. Do thou without delay resort unto the ascetic Ana-
suyft, who is worthy of being associated with, and who hath
by virtue of her acts attained renown among men." Hearing
these words of Raghava, Mithilli's daughter, the illustrious
Sit2l, drew near the righteous wife of Atri. Thereupon Sit&,
• announcing her name, saluted the pious and chaste AnasuySL
old^ with slackened joints, with foHs all over her skin, and
her hair hoary from age, whose frame shook perpetually, like
a plantain-leaf in the wind. Having paid homage unto that
ascetic with her senses subdued, Vaidehi glad at heart, with
joined hands, enquired after her welfare. Seeing the virtuous
SitSi engaged in righteous acts, the old lady consoling her,
said "By luck it is that thou regardest righteousness. O Sit&,
63

4y8 RAMAVANA,

having left thy kindred, and banishing pride, thou hast, O
honored lady, followed RSma staying in the woods. They
that love their husbands, whether living in the city or the for-
est, whether well or ill disposed towards them, attain great
state. Wicked, or libidinous, or indigent, a husband is-
a supreme deity unto a wife of noble character. Than
the husband a greater friend find I none, O Vaidehi, who
is worthy of being served both in this world and the
next, and who is like imperishable asceticism. But bad
women whose hearts hunger after carnality, and who
lord over their husbands, do not get acquainted with
the virtues and demerits (of their husbands) ; and range at
their will. 0 Mithila^s daughter, surely women of this sort
who are given to doing evil acts, reap infamy and fall off from
righteousness. But worthy women like thee furnished with
excellences, see a superior and better world, and range the
celestial regions, like pious people. Therefore following
this one, and adopting the course of chaste women, do thou
prove the associate in virtue of thy husband, — and then shalt
thou attain both fame and religious merit.*

SECTION CXVIII.

X. hus addressed by AnasuyS, Vaidehi devoid of malice,
honoring her words, began, *'That thou shouldst instruct me
is no wonder in thee. I know that a woman's spirittial
guide is her husband. Even if a husband should be poor
and of a disreputable character, he should be ungrudgingly
obeyed by the like of me. And to be said of one that
is crowned with qualities, kind, self-controlled, of steady
affection, righteous-souled, and who is dear as a father or
a mother? The exceedingly strong R&ma beareth himfelf
tow.ird:i the other vvives of the monirch as he doth towards

AFODHFAKANDAM, 499

Kau^alySl herself. Renouncing sense of self-importance,
that heroic one conversant with righteousness, devoted to
his king, regardeth as his mothers those on whom the
monarch once cast his eyes. What my mother-in-law instruct-
ed me at the time that I was leaving for the lonely and
fearful forest, is constantly present in my mind. And what
also my mother taught me in presence of fire on the occasion
of the bestowal of my hand, is also remembered by me.
And, O thou engaged in acts of righteousness, I have not
forgotten the words that my relatives said unto me, ^iz, the
asceticism of a woman is ministering unto her husband.
They did not teach any thing else. Having ^erved her lord,
Sivitri is highly honored in heaven ; and thou also, follow-
ing the same course, by virtue of having served thy husband,
hath secured heaven. And this foremost of females, this
goddess of heaven, Rohini, is not seen for a moment
without the moon. And prime women of this sort, firm in their
husbands, are highly respected in the celestial regions by
virtue of their pious acts." Hearing SitSi's words, Anasuya,
exceedingly delighted, smelling her head, spoke thus, pleas-
ing Maithili, "By observing restrictions, I have earned great
asceticism. By resorting to that energy, I would, O Sita,
confer a boon upon thee, O thou of pure vows. O Maithili,
thy words are just and proper. I am well pleased (with
thee). Tell me, O Sit5, what good shall I do thee ?'' Hear-
ing her words, SitS, surprized, said WMthasmile, unto that
lady equipped with ascetic strength, '*A11 this hath been
done by thee." Thus accosted, that one cognizant of virtue,
was still more pleased, and said, "I am exceedingly pleased
(with thy words). I will attain a desire of mine. This noble
and grand garland, this apparel, these ornaments, and this
precious paste for adorning the person, presented by me —
let these, O SitS, grace thy person. These, worthy of thee
will never be tarnished. O daughter of Janaka, daubing
\^ person with this excellent paint, thou wilt grace thy

5CX) KAMA VAN A.

husband even as Sree doth the undeteriorating Vishnu/
Thereupon Mithil&'s daughter accepted those things present-
ed unto her out of love, viz., the apparel, the paint, the
ornaments and the garland. Having accepted those presents
conferred on her from love, that illustrious one, Sit&, quietly
sat beside the female ascetic with joined hands. Then as
Sita was sitting, AnasuySL firm in vow asked her concerning
a thing that was near her heart, saying, *'I have heard, O SitSI,
that thou wert won by the renowned Rlghava on the occa-
sion of a self-choice. O Maithili, that story I should like to
hear, related at length. It therefore behoves thee to
relate that unto me in detail.' ' Thus addressed, SitS, saying
unto the ascetic engaged in pious acts, "Listen t" began
to tell the story. ''Mithil3L*s lord, the heroic Janaka, justly
ruleth the earthy engaged in observing the duties of Kshatri-
yas. As he was ploughing a plain intended for a sacrificei I
rose from under the earth ; and (in this sense) I am the
(laughter of that king. Tending me, with my body coTercd
with dust, Janaka, engaged in throwing handfuls of dust
(to level hollow spots), was struck with amazement.
Being childless, he took me on his lap from affection, and
saying — This is my daughter', conceived affection for me.
Then there were uttered words in the welkin, resembling
those of a human being, — 'O king, in all righteousness, this is
thy daughter'. Then well-pleased,my righteous father,the king,
lord of MithilS, receiving me, attained mighty good fortune.
Consigned unto the pious eldest noble one (queen), desirous
of having ofTspring, I was brought up by that mild lady, with
the tenderness of a mother. (In time) seeing me fit for the com*
pany of a husband, my father in distress was plunged in
thought, like a poor man that hath lost his wealth. Even
if the father of a girl be like unto Sakra himself on earth,
he reapeth odium at the hands of his equals and inferiocs.
Perceiving this obloquy at a short distance, the king was
plunged in a sea of anxiety, but could not cross it, like one

' f

AYODHVAKANDAM. 501

that bath no raft. Knowing me as unborn from any female
▼essel, the lord of earth reflecting upon it, could not come
upon a suitable and fit husband for me. Then as he reflected,
this thought occurred to him 'I will righteously cele-
brate the self-choice of my daughters'. In the great sacrifice
of Daksha, the high-souled Varuna had well-pleased conferred
on DevarSLta an excellent bow with inexhaustible arrows
and a couple of quivers. Incapable of being moved on
account of its weight, the kings could not even dream of bend-
ing the bow. Having obtained the bow^ my truthful father
said, 'No fear !' inviting at the same time the kings to an
assembly of sovereigns. 'He that, raising the bow, shall
string it, shall doubtless receive my daughter for his wife.'
Seeing that best of bows in weight resembling a hill, the
kings saluting it, go away, unable to move it. And it came
to pass that after a long time, this highly effulgent RSghava
came to witness the sacrifice in company with Vi^w^Lmitra.
And Rlma having truth for his prowess, and the righteous
Vi9wSLmitra were respectfully received by my sire. Then
Vi^wAmitra said unto my father. The descendants of Raghu,
tons of Da^aratha, R^ma and Lakshmana, are anxious to
behold the bow.' Thus accosted by the Vipra, my father
brought the bow, and showed that celestial bow unto the
|>rinces. Thereupon, in the twinkling of an eye, bending it,
the powerful (Rlghava) stringed the bow and drew it. And
is he drew it vehemently, it broke in the middle in twain.
And the sound of it was dreadful like unto the bursting of
\ thunder-bolt. Then raising an excellent vessel of water,
fciy truthful father prepared to bestow me on RSghava. And
bestowed on RSghava, I was accepted of him, after he had
consulted the wish of his father, that lord, the master of
AyodhyA. And inviting my father-in-law, the old king
pa9aratha, my father bestowed me on RSma, having a
knowledge of self. And my father bestowed on Lakshmana
pbr his wife, my younger sister, the beauteous and chaste

502 RAM A TANA,

Urmiia. Thus was I bestowed on Rima on the occa
of that self-choice. And ever since I have been dev
unto my husband, the foremost of those possessing prowi

SECTION CXIX.

Xlaving heard this grand story, Anasuyi co

zant of righteousness, smelling the head of Mithil&'s daugl

embraced Siti with her arms. "I have heard all

thou, describing the self-choice, hast spoken sweetly

beautifully in articulated letters and feet. O sweet-spe

ed one, I have been delighted with thy narrat

But ushering in the auspicious night, the graceful

hath set. And there are heard the notes of featb<

ones, which, after having gone about in search of f(

are resting now for the purpose of sleeping. And the

ascetics having bathed, are wending their way i:

body, carrying water-pitchers, their barks drenched >

water. And the smoke arising from the fire-sacrifice c

performed by the ascetics,-«-reddish like the hue of

pigeon's neck, is seen, wafted by the wind. And tree

spare foliage appear dense (on all sides) ; and distance

no longer perceptible. And animals ranging in the ni

are going about all round; and thos; deer of the asyl

are reposing on the daises. O Sit&, the night crested

the stars hath arrived ; and, veiled in moonlight, appear

the moon in the heavens. Go thou ; I permit thee. Do tl

seek tiie society of RSma. I have been pleased with

sweet converse. And, O daughter of MithilA, do thou d

thyself before me. Do thou thus please me, my chtld, tl

that lookest beautiful with excellent ornaments." Then

having adorned herself, Sit2, resembling the daughter c

celestial, bowing down to the feet (of the femde

A YODHi'A KA NDAM, 503

directed her steps towards Rama. And that best of speak-
' crs, RSLghava^ saw Sita, decked with the ornaments affec-
tionately presented by the ascetic ; and he rejoiced thereat.
Then Mithili's daughter, Sita, related unto Rlma all about
her having been affectionately presented by the ascetic
with attire, ornaments and the garland. Thereupon, wit-
nessing the honor that had been accorded unto Maithili, —
rare among men, RSma became well pleased, — as also that
mighty car- warrior, Lakshmana. Then Raghu's son, minis-
tered unto by the ascetic, happily spent the delightful night
there, with her face resembling the moon. On the night
having passed away, those foremost of men, after performing
their ablutions, enquired of the ascetics performing fire-
sacrifices, who lived in the forest. Thereat the righteous
ascetics ranging the forest said that all the sides of the forest
were infested by RSikshasas. "Ferocious beasts feasting
' on blood, and RSkshasas, O Rlghava, living on human
beings, — wearing various shapes, abide in this mighty forest.
These eat up ascetics leading the Brahmacharya mode of
life, who happen to be unclean or heedless. Do thou, there-
fore, O Raghava, let them. This is.the path of the Maharshis,
who procure fruits in the forest. By this way thou wilt be
able to enter the impracticable wild, O Raghava." Thus
addressed by the ascetic twice-born ones, and having been
blessed by them, that repressor of foes, RSLghava, entered
the forest in company with his wife and Lakshm ana^ like
the sun entering a mass of clouds.

End of Ayodhyakandam.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
GRADUATE LIBRARY

NOVU

MAY 1 1979

1977

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